Never mind the chill in the air, Saturday morning’s sunny skies held the promise of adventure.

Sunday, March 24, 2002

Never mind the chill in the air, Saturday morning’s sunny skies held the promise of adventure. And prizes. And a chance to meet and greet an elusive white rabbit who comes only once a year.

About 200 children attended the Ironton Business Association’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, held on the grounds of the Lawrence County Courthouse. Betty Adkins, the IBA’s secretary, said the turnout was slightly less than expected, probably because of the cold snap that sent thermometers plunging into the upper 20s.

"We didn’t have as many this year as we usually do, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm," Adkins said.

IBA member Joe Black agreed.

"Sometimes I think the parents enjoy this as much as the kids do," he said.

Twenty children took home "lucky eggs." These colorful plastic tributes to the season were stuffed with a $5 bill.

Four-year-old Brittany Walker of Kitts Hill found two of those eggs. She gave one to her sister, Ashley, 6.

Their sister Alexandra, who turns 10 on Monday, proudly showed off a full basket she collected at the day’s event.

"I got 64 eggs," she crowed. "And one had a $5 bill in it."

Jodi Newman is the mother of the three Walker girls. She said they come every year and always have a good time.

Standing only a few feet away from the action was that quiet white rabbit. The furry-tailed

bringer of colored eggs sat for a while on a courthouse bench and waited for appreciative hugs from the children, while parents snapped pictures.

Then the rabbit waved goodbye, and as it left it called out faintly "Happy Easter."