A rainy forecast nearly grounded the helicopter — but it eventually took flight over LaSalle’s Vollmer Complex, dropping thousands of toy eggs to the delight of hundreds of children gathered for a sold-out Easter egg hunt.
The WFCU Credit Union Egg Drop, held Saturday in partnership with the Town of LaSalle, brought 800 children aged two to 10 to the field. All took part in a single, combined egg hunt after original plans to stagger age groups were scrapped due to weather.
“Because of the weather, it was touch and go for a bit,” said Beth Ann Prince, community investment manager at WFCU Credit Union.
“But we were able to move forward with one big drop, and it turned out to be a huge success.”
Organizers had planned to drop 25,000 eggs from the helicopter. However, half were instead distributed by volunteers on the ground due to uncertainty about whether the helicopter would be able to fly.
In the end, the rain settled down enough for the helicopter to make one trip to release the remaining 12,500 eggs.
This year’s event sold out in just two days. Despite the light rain, families filled the field to watch the helicopter hover and release a colourful shower of plastic eggs.
“After the hunt, every child gets to redeem their eggs for a chocolate Easter Bunny, some activity guides, and fun things to do at home,” said Prince.
The egg drop is part of WFCU’s “Inspire” program, a community initiative designed to bring families together through free events across Windsor-Essex.
In all, 75 volunteers helped run the day’s activities.
“Even with the rain, everyone came out smiling,” said Prince.
“It’s something we’re really proud to bring to the community.”
