Park department plans canine egg hunt

A Doggy Easter Egg Hunt is being sponsored Tuesday, April 12, by Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation.

The free hunt will be a first for Poplar Bluff, said Kennedy Thayer, parks and recreation program coordinator. An Easter bunny might even show up for the event.

The Parks and Recreation staff recently attended the Missouri Parks and Recreation Conference, where Thayer participated in several sessions on programming and community events and this idea sprung from some brainstorming for spring programs, she said.

“We have never done anything like this before, but I know Poplar Bluff residents love their dogs and would enjoy this fun event for their fur children,” she said.

The Doggy Easter Egg Hunt will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Downtown Dog Park.

“Due to the positive feedback on this event, we are recommending dog parents register ahead of time to reserve their spot,” Thayer said. “We have sessions available at 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.”

Individuals can register by calling the park department at 573-686-8645.

“We will hide Easter eggs filled with doggy treats all over the dog park, dogs will use their smell to find eggs, once they have touched an egg with their nose, the human may put the egg in their basket and continue the search until the eggs are gone,” Thayer said. “Please bring your own basket but we will have bags available for those who do not have a basket.”

Each session will cap at 10 dogs and dogs must be leashed for the Easter egg hunt but may enjoy the small dog area before or after the egg hunt, Thayer said.

“We require all dogs to have their rabies vaccine to participate,” Thayer said.

If dogs are not registered but still want to participate the day of the event, “we will try to fit them into sessions that aren’t full,” Thayer said,

Cute costumes are welcome for humans and canines. For more information and updates, visit the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Facebook page.