Local firefighters hold annual Easter egg hunt

By Madison Brazeau

Easter comes with many traditions for those all around the world. From church services and decorating Easter eggs to delicious dinners spent with family there is lots of excitement around the holiday—but how did these traditions start and why do we celebrate?

The tradition of Easter egg decorating dates to the 13th century. During this time, it was forbidden for those partaking in Lent to consume animal products, including eggs. The eggs collected during this time were hard-boiled and stored. Then, to mark the end of the period, the eggs would be decorated and given to the poor who could not afford meat for their Easter Feast. Later, royal families would exchange decorated eggs with the most ornate eggs dripping with gold and jewels and filled with other elaborate trinkets.

Did you know that over 16 billion jellybeans are made each year for Easter? What’s even cooler, the traditional Easter staple is said to date back to biblical times and became most popular in the 1930s. Today, chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, and marshmallow treats are more popular.

According to statistics, 78 per cent of people say the right way to eat a chocolate bunny is by starting with the ears; 16 per cent start with the feet; only 6 per cent start with the tail. No matter how you celebrate or eat your chocolate bunnies there are some traditions right here in Port Rowan that make Easter fun for the community.

Port Rowan Easter traditions

One local tradition is the annual Port Rowan Firefighters’ Association Easter Egg Hunt. Usually held the Saturday before Easter, due to weather was postponed this year to April 26. Each year, this fun event includes the egg hunt, decorating eggs, face painting, free hotdogs and popcorn, as well as an appearance from Sparky the Fire Dog and the Easter bunny.

There are events for all ages with egg hunts ranging from 0–5, 6–8, and 9–12 years of age. The event is held at Port Rowan Public School and run by John Hecker and Station #9 firefighters as well as some spouses. Despite a cold wind, many parents and kids showed up to enjoy the day! The firetrucks were parked in the bus lane and once the siren sounded all the kids rushed to find eggs with the help of Sparky and the Easter Bunny.

The day is a fun opportunity for the community to come together for this free event and enjoy all it has to offer!

The egg hunt also provides opportunity to meet the firefighters that help to keep our community safe. And, did I mention the prizes available to win? There are so many fun things to explore at this event and all you have to do is bring your own basket and your egg hunting attitude to have a good time!

So, whether you were decorating eggs, eating delicious Easter dinner, or enjoying the Easter treats, everyone could find some amazing and free events happening right in our community!

Originally printed in The Good News, May 2025.