Children were so eager to pick up eggs at South Kitsap Regional park Saturday morning, they were ready and waiting while the “Easter Bunny” was still putting down eggs.

Volunteers were still placing eggs in the grass 15 minutes before the noon start of the park’s egg hunt, the 17th annual hosted by the Fathoms O’ Fun Festival Association and other community groups.

Standing behind the ribbon in sprinters’ stances were five-year-old boys Bradley Ridgeway and Quinton Bundy, who anxiously scanned the grass for not just any egg, but a “golden” one.

Four-year-old Ethan Edwards of Olalla had his heart set on blue eggs, filling his basket — in the shape of Sesame Street character Elmo — with only that color.

Organizer Jessie Turner said at least 350 kids showed up for the event.