Participating in an Easter egg hunt is something many children take for granted, but for people with visual impairment, the annual activity might be out of reach. Not anymore, thanks to the Manheim Lions Club and Kreider Farms.

The Manheim annual Easter egg hunt will be held on Saturday, April 19, at the Manheim Central High School football stadium, 350 Memorial Drive, Manheim. Children ages 1 to 12 are invited to participate beginning at 1 p.m., but the event will start with a special egg hunt for anyone who is visually impaired, beginning at 10 a.m.

Aaron Henderson, president of the Manheim Lions Club, explained that holding the inclusive egg hunt was suggested by a committee member during a planning meeting for a centennial celebration of the Lions Club.

"We absolutely loved it!" he said. "A century ago, Helen Keller challenged Lions International to become the 'knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.' What better way to honor 100 years of community service in Manheim than by incorporating this meaningful addition to our event?"

Henderson noted that beeping eggs that are used in this type of egg hunt are available online, but they are expensive.

"Fortunately, one of our club members, who owns Alex's Guardian, stepped in to help," Henderson said. "He had beeping eggs designed and built at a fraction of the price and generously donated them to the club. Thanks to his contribution, we were able to turn this idea into a reality!"

There is no age limit for the special egg hunt, and eggs will be exchanged for Hershey's candy. "Any visually impaired person that wants to participate is more than welcome to join in the fun," Henderson remarked.

Between the 10 a.m. hunt and the 1 p.m. hunts, volunteers will place plastic 4,000 eggs - filled with Hershey's chocolate courtesy of Hope Served - for people in various age groups to find. Staggered starts will be held for each age group.

"In previous years, all age groups started at 1 p.m., which made it difficult for parents with multiple children in different age groups to watch each of them participate," Henderson said. "To improve the experience, we've adjusted our schedule. Start times are approximate, as we'll adapt in real time to ensure everyone has enough time to transition smoothly."

To celebrate the Lions Club's 100 years of service, 100 special eggs, each containing a gold dollar coin, will be hidden along with additional prize eggs.

"We've increased the number of prize eggs in each age group," Henderson said. "These prize eggs will have a winning ticket inside, so keep an eye out for them."

Adults who attend the event will have the opportunity to win baskets of items compiled by members of the Manheim Lions Club and Kreider Farms.

Kreider Farms will distribute free chocolate milk to the first 400 children after the egg hunts, and the event will include other fun activities.

"Our Lion mascot dresses up like an Easter Bunny," Henderson said. "In addition, we have an Easter Bunny mascot, and joining us this year for the first time is Rosie the Cow, Kreider Farms' mascot."

He expressed thanks to Kreider Farms for making the event possible.

"Kreider Farms has been a generous supporter of our events in the past, and this year, they expressed interest in partnering with us for the Easter egg hunt," Henderson commented. "As they celebrate 90 years in the Manheim community, their commitment to giving back is a testament to the strong local spirit that businesses like Kreider Farms and civic organizations like the Manheim Lions Club foster. Their generosity and dedication help strengthen our community, allowing us to create meaningful experiences for families while celebrating important milestones together. We are truly grateful for their partnership in making this year's Easter egg hunt even more special."

Preregistration is requested but not required for the egg hunt for visually impaired people. To register, visit https://manheimlions.org. No registration is needed for the hunts beginning at 1 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.