Hundreds of parents and kids turn out for Easter egg hunt in East Palestine.

 

While some parents and their kids went to Easter egg hunts in other communities, a few hundreds of others filled the city park after the E-P-A declared it safe for this annual event.

 

In East Palestine hundreds of plastic eggs with candy inside were placed in the parking lot and tennis courts just waiting for kids to fill their Easter Baskets. 

 

Some kids dressed in pretty Easter dressed, most were bundled up.

 

In minutes the eggs on the basketball and tennis courts were collected. 

 

Parents say this family tradition in the community is important so kids can be kids. 

 

"We've been doing this Easter egg hunt and breakfast with the Easter bunny since she was a baby. We come here every year. We look forward to it. We were excited they were doing it again this year. We feel safe here," Kelly Morgan said.

 

"We were worried it was going to be a no show. It just seems like there are even more people than last year. It's just nice to see it for the kids, because they're the ones that matter the most," Bill Morgan added.

 

Parents in East Palestine say their kids survived isolating COVID lockdown, then the train derailment, with flames, billowing smoke, and toxic chemicals were frightening, so getting back to a sense of normalcy is important. 

 

Other parents say their children's fears have subsided.

 

"It's very unfortunate what has happened in our town, and there is still a lot of uncertainty, but at the same time we can't stop living. We have to get out and still enjoy these things, and experiencing them and keep living life," Meghan Vranesevich said.

 

Her husband who worked for Norfolk Southern for 14 years is now a Norfolk Southern Community Liasion.

 

Jeremy Vranesevich tells WFMJ News they would never bring their child to this Easter Egg hunt at this park, or encourage others to do the same unless they believe it's safe.

 

WFMJ News reporter asked is this a paid position.

 

"It's a paid position but with Norfolk Southern to get the community back on their feet. I'm a resident. I have family here. I want what's best for the community cos we're going to live here. Our roots are planted here. We're not going to leave," Jeremy Vranesevich said.