Buckets, baskets, bags and containers of all kinds and sizes were toted around by children and adults Saturday at the 20th annual Easter egg hunt at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

The hunt was sponsored by Schnucks, Pepsi MidAmerica, River Radio and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department.

Schnucks manager Dennis Marchi estimated around 3,500 people attended this year's event, but said there was no way to know for sure. He said he believed this was the largest event of its kind in Missouri.

New this year was an Easter Bunny who was available for pictures with children.

"We brought in a little recreation to go along with it this year," said Penny Williams with the Parks and Recreation Department, "with the inflatable obstacle course, which allowed the kids something to do while they waited their turn."

The hunt was divided into three age groups: 2 and 3, 4 to 6, and 7 and 8. Items such as candy, snack food, soda, stuffed animals and plastic eggs filled with candy or a ticket for a prize were distributed around the floor in the center. If the child received an egg with a ticket, they could go to the front desk to collect a prize such as pre-filled Easter baskets, movie theater passes, Culver's ice cream coupons and free french fries.

After each round, a new supply was put out for the next age group.

Crystal Kennedy brought her five children, Catherine, Whitney, Jason, Patrick and Isabella Malone, and their grandmother, Kimberly Kennedy.

Catherine and Whitney both said they thought the hunt would be fun, while Jason thought it was "awesome."

After each age group had finished, families huddled around checking out what goodies they had collected. Micah Barton, 5, looked at his movie pass, sodas and snacks with his parents, Jamie and Jeremy Barton, and big sister Katrina, 7, who was awaiting her turn.

"I had fun," Micah said. "I did it all on my own."

"We did it last year," Jamie Barton said, "and it was so fun that we made it a priority to come back again this year."

Michael Sheppard with Pepsi MidAmerica said the egg hunt is always an event.

"It's funny, the little ones walk out and analyze everything first, while the older age groups just go for it. It's a lot of fun," he said

Parent Jennifer Pehle said her family enjoyed the hunt.

"This is the 10th year we've attended," she said.

This year's hunt was "by far the best we've ever done," Marchi said. "It all started because we wanted to do something for the kids who might not have an opportunity for such a thing."

"It was a good partnership," Williams said. "Fun and food. A good deal for the community."

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.