Warm weather from the first week of spring greeted dozens of children as they took part in the annual Easter egg hunt at the Lawrence County Courthouse on Tuesday.

Families gathered on the lawn for the arrival of the Easter Bunny, before beginning the search, which kicked off just before 6 p.m., with areas roped off for four different age categories.

It lasted only for a few minutes, as the children quickly scooped up all the eggs.

The hunt was sponsored the Ironton Association of Firefighters Local 532, the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office, The Ironton City Health Department and the Ironton Business Association.

Following the hunt, the children were directed by Cpl. Julia Jones of the sheriff’s office to two cruisers, where deputies handed out Easter baskets donated by local businesses.

The children were asked how many eggs they had found, and those who had the most got first pick at the selection of different baskets.

Jones said the turnout was good and no child left empty-handed.

“We had 117 Easters baskets, and every kid got one,” she said.

Following the handout, families lingered around for about a half hour, lining up on the courthouse steps for the chance to take pictures of their children with the Easter Bunny.

There are more egg hunts scheduled for the week leading into Easter.

The Wyngate at RiversEdge senior community in Rome Township will have an egg hunt and brunch with the Easter Bunny on Friday from 10:30 a.m.-noon.

On Saturday, The Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 8850 will host a hunt from 1-2 p.m. at Paul Porter Park in Coal Grove, while The Ohio Furnace Baptist Church In Ironton will have a free community hunt from noon-2 p.m. Also on Saturday is a community egg hunt, with door prizes and inflatables, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Christian Church in Ironton. All events are free and open to the public. See our calendar page for more details.