This year, children with special needs will be able to enjoy the fun of hunting for treat-filled eggs at this year’s Sugar Land EGGStravaganza Egg Hunt.
ANTICIPATION – Alyssa Narvaez, 7, and Lauren Chauvin, 8, with two new friends and their egg hunt baskets are ready for this year’s Sugar Land EGGStravaganza.
For the first time, Sugar Land is including a specially-developed egg hunt area incorporating the needs of children with either vision or mobility impairments.
Eggs hidden at varying heights will be accessible for children in wheelchairs and brightly-colored eggs that emit a loud beeping sound to give away their location will be used for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Director Jim Browne said the move will allow more children to enjoy the tradition of taking part in an egg hunt.
“The city is pleased to be taking this step in making our events more inclusive, especially for our youngest residents,” Browne said. “We are very appreciative of the advice and support from various community groups in planning the special needs egg hunt, and look forward to continuing to work together on future projects.”
Michele Chauvin, president of the Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, is one of the people who have offered advice and assistance to event organizers. Chauvin has an eight-year-old daughter, Lauren, who has been blind since birth and uses a cane when walking.
“I am so glad Lauren and other blind children will be able to take part in EGGStravaganza this year in their own area,” Chauvin said. “In the past, Lauren could not take part unless she went in the toddler’s area, where she could take more time and have space to use her cane. A special area and beeping eggs will really help children like Lauren enjoy the egg hunt more independently.”
EGGStravaganza will also feature other activities for children, including a visit from the Easter bunny, free photos, a petting zoo, train rides and bounce houses.
In celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary, 50 special “Golden Egg” prizes can also be won.
Egg hunts for children will start at noon with the following schedule:
- Ongoing for special needs children up to 12 years old.
- Ongoing for 4 year olds and younger.
- 12:30 p.m. for 5 year olds
- 1 p.m. for 6 years olds
- 1:30 p.m. for 7 year olds
- 2 p.m. for 8 and 9 year olds
- 2:30 p.m. for 10, 11 and 12 year olds
All activities are free and open to the public. Children are asked to bring their own egg-hunt baskets.
