By Denise Houston & Jessica Hernandez-McCabe

Families across Lincoln County gathered on Saturday, April 4, as annual Easter egg hunts took place in Pioche, Panaca, Caliente and Alamo. The largely attended events continue a long-standing tradition of community celebration.

In Pioche, the day began at 9 a.m. as children were transported to the Pioche Elementary schoolyard by fire trucks. All around town, the lights and sirens signaled the start of the event. Upon arrival, families were greeted by members of the Pioche Volunteer Fire Department and the Easter Bunny before children were directed to age-group staging areas.

At 10 a.m. children were released and quickly filled their baskets with plastic eggs containing candy, stickers and small treats. After each section was cleared, firefighters called out prize numbers, with winning children receiving bicycles, large baskets and other prizes.

In the days leading up to the event, community members contributed donations and participated in preparations, including a door-to-door collection and egg decorating with local children. Pioche Fire Chief John Steever continued his 35-year streak of hosting the egg hunt and thanked Tillies for the eggs, the Silver Cafe, the Alamo Club, Gunslingers, the Overland Hotel, Christ Church Episcopal, the Easter Bunny, Pioche Elementary School, Pioche Fire Department volunteers and all who made donations for the kids.

In Caliente, the annual Easter egg hunt hosted by the Caliente Volunteer Fire Department took place at Dixon Park at 11 a.m. Children lined the entrances to the baseball field before being released by age group into designated sections filled with colorful eggs. The field quickly cleared as children gathered treats and searched for prize-winning eggs tied to bicycles and baskets.

In addition to the children’s hunt, adult eggs were hidden throughout the park, offering cash prizes and adding to the excitement of the event. The Caliente Volunteer Fire Department expressed appreciation to the many donors who contributed to making the annual egg hunt possible.

Panaca also saw a strong turnout for the PTG Easter egg hunt, held at 11 a.m. The event has become a yearly tradition, drawing families from across the area. By age group, children were released onto the LCHS field, where eggs were quickly collected in a matter of moments. With baskets full of candy,  participants spread out across the park to sort through their prizes. Some eggs contained vouchers for gift cards, stuffed animals and other prizes too large to be contained in the eggs. 

In Alamo, the annual community Easter egg hunt was held at the Pahranagat Valley Elementary School playground, where approximately 2,000 eggs were spread across designated areas for children ranging from preschool through fifth grade. The eggs were organized by age group, giving each child an opportunity to participate.

When the signal was given, children rushed across the playground collecting eggs filled with candy and prize tickets. Those who found winning tickets were directed to Mrs. Walch’s classroom, where they selected prizes including Easter baskets, water toys and other donated items.

The Alamo Store contributed to the event by donating candy and additional prizes such as free F’real shakes and ice cream treats. The donation-based event continues to be supported by the community and organized each year by Chrisanne Walch.

A highlight of the morning was the appearance of the Easter Bunny, who greeted families, posed for photos and added to the festive atmosphere. At the conclusion of the event, children helped collect and return the plastic eggs to be reused next year.

Easter is one of the most recognized holidays in American culture, symbolizing renewal and new life and marking the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Across Lincoln County, each town continues to carry its own traditions, but all share the same focus on bringing families and communities together each spring.