10,000 Eggs

If you hide them, they will come. And so they did to a farmer's pasture just outside the Southern Illinois burg that my son, daughter-in-law and their four children now call home. Oakdale boasted a population of 221 according to the 2010 census, but you wouldn't have guessed that today when this otherwise quiet village gave way to a little noise as the townsfolk celebrated their 19th Annual Eggstravaganza. The town was teaming with people who turned out on this glorious last day of March to soak up some sun and, more importantly, watch their children have a grand time. In town, the streets were blocked for vendors to set up their tents to sell food and crafts. There was a bonnet contest and egg toss in the morning, and then trains, trails, ponies, and more. But just up the road and at the top of the hill, we were greeted by a Steel Magnolias-Style Easter Bunny who welcomed the kids to the biggest event of the day -- the egg hunt.  Here's a look:

On The Way

Anticipation

An Important Conversation

And They're Off!

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