Things get hoppin’ at Michigan City’s 2025 Easter Egg Hunt

On the afternoon of Saturday, April 19, the Michigan City Special Events, Michigan City Police Department (MCPD), Michigan City Fire Department, and Michigan City Department of Parks and Recreation hosted the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Fedder’s Alley in Washington Park. Over 1,000 Michigan City residents attended this event free of charge. The sponsors included Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Horizon Bank, Bay Logistics, Washington Park Zoo, and the Albanese Candy Factory. Captain Ed’s Furniture Showroom also donated over 10,000 pieces of candy for the Easter eggs.  

Participants ages zero to 12 were separated into four age groups and then, at the starter signal, excitedly raced down the slope to scoop up as many of the 20,000 sweet treat-bearing eggs on the field as they could. Any kids who discovered a “golden” ticket in one of their eggs could redeem it at the MCPD tent for a Walmart gift card, which ranged from $10 to $100 in value.

Eric Williams, assistant director of Michigan City Special Events, played an instrumental role in the planning and execution of this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. 

“I enjoy this event because it shows what we as a community can do when we come together,” Williams said. “I want to thank the police and fire departments, the Parks Department, our sponsors, and volunteers for their involvement. This event is a great way to let the kids have some free fun in the community. We’re out here celebrating people. My hope is that everyone has a good time and makes some memories at the Easter Egg Hunt today that they can look back on and laugh about.”

The Easter Egg Hunt has been a Michigan City tradition for about 12 years. It started as a police department-sponsored event and was coordinated by Marty Corley, Michigan City chief of police, and Michigan City Police Sergeant Lendell Hood. The police department then teamed up with Michigan City Special Events. As it gained more sponsors and support from the community, it eventually developed a city-wide event.

Corley is pleased to see that the Easter Egg Hunt is so popular among Michigan City residents and considers the event to be an excellent way to engage with the community.

“This is a good opportunity to build relationships within the community,” Corley said. “It gives the various city departments a chance to pool our resources and do something positive for the community. Walmart has always been a great partner of ours and they’ve made it convenient for us to procure gift cards for the kids this year. I love seeing all of the smiling faces here today. I’m happy to be here; it’s a great time.”

This is the first year that Arnett Construction has signed on as a premier sponsor for all Michigan City Special Events. Although, as sponsors, the Arnett Construction team is only required to donate money to support the events, they went above and beyond at the Easter Egg Hunt by setting up a tent and conducting an Easter basket raffle. Four Easter baskets – two for boys and two for girls – were raffled off. Prizes like a LEGO set, water guns, a water paint set, and a soccer ball were included in the boys’ Easter baskets, while the girls’ featured prizes like a basketball, a sewing machine, a unicorn Barbie doll, and a diamond art kit. Two of the baskets even featured bikes as prizes.

Derrick Arnett, owner of Arnett Construction, enjoys participating in community outreach events like the Easter Egg Hunt.

“All of the events that Michigan City Special Events puts on are very important for the community,” Arnett said. “This particular event is about putting smiles on peoples’ faces and making this a joyful day for them. I hope everybody is appreciative of all the great work that Michigan City Special Events does.  We at Arnett Construction like being present at these events because we want the community to see our name, learn what we offer, and see that we're giving back. "

Two Easter Bunnies, Cookie Monster, Elmo, a dalmatian firefighter, a duo of eggs, Mario, Luigi, and even the canine cartoon character Bluey mingled with the attendees and posed for pictures. Members of the Michiana Clowns also helped spread some Easter cheer. A Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee truck served the adults their choice of hot, iced, or frozen beverages.

Terry Greetham, director of Michigan City Special Events, appreciates the opportunity to bring the Easter Egg Hunt to Michigan City once again.

“This is a great event for Michigan City,” Greetham said. “Some people may not have a chance to celebrate Easter, so this is a great day for families to come out, be around other community members, and enjoy themselves. I hope everyone leaves the Easter Egg Hunt knowing that we are doing our best to put on great events for the community. We wanted this to be a chance for the community to come out and enjoy a day of fun and peace.”For more information on the City of Michigan City’s upcoming events, please visit emichigancity.com.