Louisiana Purchase Zoo Eggstravaganza Saturday

Brave egg hunters with bags and baskets — on your market, get set, go! — for the biggest Easter egg hunt in Ouachita Parish on Saturday at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo.

The annual zoo Eggstravaganza is sponsored by the Zoological Society and the public is invited. Some 22,000 eggs will be hidden at the zoo for children to hunt by age groups.

The egg hunts are ages 0-2, 11 a.m.; ages 3-5, 11:30 a.m.; ages 6-8, noon; and ages 9-10, 12:30 p.m.

Youngsters need bags and baskets — but leave the fake Easter grass at home because the animals might think it is the real thing and take an innocent nibble.

Zoological Society manager Heather Moore said there will be 21,000 eggs with candy in them and more than 1,000 prize eggs.

For the prize eggs, "They'll have (tickets for) books, gift certificates, stuffed animals, girl stuff, boy stuff, we try to have a good mix," she said.

The special admission rate is $5, which includes full access to the zoo before and after the egg hunts. Children 1 year and under are free. There will also be areas for those with special needs.

"The Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society invites everyone to come out to the zoo this Saturday to enjoy our annual Easter Eggstravaganza," said society president Drew Fluke. "The Easter Bunny will be joining us and there'll be plenty of Easter eggs, prizes, and many other giveaways provided by our terrific sponsors."

The event is sponsored by the city of Monroe, James Machine Works, First United Methodist Church of Monroe, Scott Powerline and The Radio People.

WANT TO GO?

What: Zoo Eggstravaganza

When: Gates open at 10 a.m., hunts start at 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo

Cost: $5, and free for ages 1 and under

Info: 329-2400