On Saturday, March 27, Riverboat Days board members were happy to once again help Event Coordinator Leanna Geffers and all of her volunteer bunnies set up for the seventh annual Grand Easter Egg Hunt in Riverview Park in order to pass out close to 20,000 eggs to Clinton-area children, bringing the total number of eggs handed out in the past seven years to more than 100,000. Approximately 25 volunteers spent the last three months stuffing all of those eggs with candy and other prizes. Along with the candy, many eggs have been mixed in that are good for one of the large prizes that are given away each year, due to the support of over 75 corporate and individual sponsors. Some of those larger prizes included bicycles, a guitar, a $100 gift certificate, gold coins, savings bonds and up to 80 Easter baskets. The total value of candy and prizes that were handed out this year was estimated to be close to $2,500. With an average attendance of close to 4,000 people, both children and parents, the Grand Easter Egg Hunt has grown to become one of Clinton's largest events and as always, is free to children from 1 to 10 years of age. "This event is one of the highlights of my year," said Geffers. "Sure it's a lot of hard work but when I see the smiles on the faces of all of those children, it makes it all worthwhile. Each year we do this it always surprises me the support we get from the volunteers and the sponsors. One volunteer who really stepped it up for me this year was Natalie Chase, a high school student who pounded a lot of pavement when it came to asking for sponsor support. Another group who is offering their support this year is the Clinton County Sheriff's Reserves, who will be donating their time to help assist with the large crowd. We were also fortunate to have a special appearance by Miss Clinton County."

We can't express enough how the local businesses really help make this happen. Through their generosity, we are able to purchase everything that is given away each year to over 2500 children. The next time you are one of the sponsors below, just let them know how much their support of the Clinton of the Grand Easter Egg Hunt is appreciated.

Bob & Verna Peterson

Quality Concrete

Turner Electric

Darling Int. (National By)

Kathy Healless

Jewell-Osco

Village Inn

Godfather's

Pizza Ranch

Subway

Imperial Lanes

Pizzza Hut

Sterling Federal Bank

Domino's

Plaza Bowl

Jack & Pat Waldorf

John & Gretchen Snyder

All Star Staffing

Hartz Lock Company

Gateway Monograms

CEC Theaters

Clinton Lumberkings

Craig Jenkins Construction

Clinton National Bank

Mike's Transmission

Knights of Columbus
(St. Edward's Council #707)

Classic Body Works

Kitchen & Bath Inspirations

Citizen's First Bank

Winkel, Parker & Foster

Lyon's Filling Station

Tegeler Music & Family

Mikes Body Shop

Y.W.C.A

Family Video

Guzzardo's

Porter's

Beckwith Roofing

1st Gateway Credit Union

Trailer Depot

Sanitol

Voss Plumbing

MJ Construction

Custom-Pak

Clinton Custom Shed's

Casey's General Store

Carpetland USA

Parkview Back & Neck

Central Repair

Valley Bank

Hilgendorf Wood Working

Dairy Queen

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Gene (Spanky) Nancy Peterson

Boegel's Men's Wear

Lyon's Tap

Kwik Trip

Gateway State Bank

Maxine Totten

Central Dental Association

Culver's

Banner Home Furnishing

Fareway

Happy Joe's

Dennis Schoening

Eastern Iowa Tire

Gerdes Northend Auto

Nestle Purina Pet Care

Ascentra Credit Union

Clinton Co. Society

Clinton Lions Club

Paul's Discount

Horse Show Association

Premier Furniture

McEleney Motors

Kevin & Barb Chase

Clinton Herald

Farm & Fleet

J & D Steakhouse

J.J. Lawlor

Target

Wal-Mart

Walgreen's

Swiss Colony

High Twelve Club of Clinton

G. Baker

Hy-Vee