Ready, Set ... Hunt Eggs!

A little less than two weeks from today, the will be overrun by wee people and their baskets. Oh, and more than 5,000 eggs.

On Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m., will present the first annual Melrose Egg Hunt on the Common. Sponsored in part by Mayor Rob Dolan, the , Music 101, , Signarama and , the free egg hunt is open to all kids ages 3 to 8 and promises to be a frenzy of Eastertime fun.

Stephen Sikorski, who owns Beanstalk along with his wife, Tanya Pellecchia, said the idea for the egg hunt came to him when he witnessed the huge, fun success of other townwide events, including Melrose's Victorian Fair, Halloween Stroll and Home for the Holidays.

"Melrose does something for Christmas, it does something for Halloween. I just wanted to bring something to the city in the springtime that was fun for kids," Sikorski explained.

After Sikorski approached the mayor's office and Joan Ford Mongeau, Executive Director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, the egg hunt quickly morphed from just a really good idea to a reality.

"I didn't think it was going to be such a big idea when it came out of my mouth," Sikorski laughed. "Everyone's been very helpful in getting the ball rolling."

Plans have fallen into place smoothly, according to Sikorski. The hunt will take place rain or shine on the Common, which will be fully stocked with more than 5,000 eggs. Each egg will include a prize, and one super-special egg will hold a super-special prize, the details of which Sikorski says must wait until the lucky hunter finds it.

Children are encouraged to bring baskets or reusable shopping bags in which to cram their booty. As for parents, Sikorski says cameras are a must, especially considering that the Easter Bunny himself will be putting in an appearance.

Informational flyers have already gone home in the backpacks of hundreds of Melrose students, and the Chamber of Commerce and various ecumenical groups have also been instrumental in getting out the word. But Mongeau at the Chamber of Commerce insists that the vast majority of the credit goes to the hunt's creator.

"The idea was all Steve," Mongeau said. "One of the great things about this is that it is totally merchant driven; Steve and Tanya had the idea.  They looked for ideas and support from the city and the Chamber, but they ran with it."

Officials at City Hall are also already big fans of the new event. Mayor Rob Dolan plans to put in a festive appearance as the egg hunt's master of ceremonies.

"These are the great community events that parents like to do with their children," Mike Lindstrom, Director of Community Services for the mayor's office, said. "It's another reason why Melrose is a desirable place."

If all goes well, perhaps there will be more Beanstalk egg hunts in Melrose's future.

"It is such a great idea, I wouldn’t be surprised if it does become a tradition," Mongeau said.