There is something about those plastic, colored eggs that make a child’s eyes light up with excitement and in the next couple of weeks, children around the county will make their mad dash to collect as many as possible.

Several church and civic groups are planning free community Easter Egg Hunts this year, many of which have been traditions for years.

Louie Sheridan, Ironton firefighter, has helped for many years with the city egg hunt, once held on the courthouse lawn, now on the soccer field near Liebert. He said the event continues to grow each year.

First organized by the Ironton Business Association, the community egg hunt has become a joint effort with the Ironton Fire Department and Ironton Health Department.

“Last year we did probably 2,000 eggs,” Sheridan said. “And Laura Brown at the health department got donations for baskets.”

With those extra donations, Sheridan said, about 50 Easter baskets were given to children who found the special eggs marked with a “B.”

This year’s hunt will be 6 p.m. March 26 at the soccer field. Children up to age 12 can participate and the hunt will be divided into age groups. Sheridan also assured the Easter Bunny would make an appearance for photos with the children.

“I’ve talked to the Easter Bunny personally,” Sheridan said.

If there is rain on the evening of the hunt, the event will be moved to 6 p.m. the following day.

Sheridan said the event is a good opportunity to bring the community together and do something for the children.

“It’s gotten bigger and we’ve enjoyed working with the Ironton Business Association and the health department,” he said. “It’s become a very nice event for kids to enjoy.”

On the other end of the county, churches and businesses will sponsor the 10th annual Easter egg hunt at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.

Activities begin at 11 a.m. March 30 with the hunt at 12:30 p.m.

Damian Southard, worship elder at Sanctuary of Grace, said the event has grown.

“There are very few things in the community that are free,” Southard said. “And that’s been our passion, being able to offer something to families of our community and give them something free.”

Southard said the event is made possible by more than 35 local businesses who donated to the event, as well as about seven local churches and more than 100 volunteers.

There will be free hot dogs, chips and water, face painting, inflatables and a devotional. There will also be appearances by Elmo, Sponge Bob, Blue from “Blue’s Clues,” and of course, the Easter Bunny.

Render the Hearts will perform live at 12:30 p.m.

The event is rain or shine.

“Whether it’s a tornado like we had last year, it seemed like a tornado, or a freezing cold snowy blizzard, there is something about an egg hunt gets people out,” Southard said.

Other egg hunts throughout the county:

• Chesapeake United Methodist Church: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23, free pictures with the Easter Bunny will be offered along with Easter crafts and games, including decorating Easter eggs. Weather permitting, an Easter egg hunt will be outside for children of all ages. Hot sandwiches and refreshments will be served, all free of charge.

• Easter Egg-stravaganza at Central Christian Church, Ironton: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23, devotional time, door prizes, inflatables, snacks, crafts and food. The event is free to the public and there will be an outdoor egg hunt for children ages 1 to fifth grade, with age divisions. The event is rain or shine and the egg hunt will be moved inside if it rains.

• Paul Porter Park: 1 p.m. March 30, the VFW Post 8850 Ladies Auxiliary will have a free egg hunt for community children.

• First Tabernacle Church, Ironton: 1 p.m. March 30, free egg hunt for community children at Beechwood Park. There will be games, prizes and a cookout hosted by the church’s youth group.