The playful sight of children running and tripping as they scramble to stuff as many Easter eggs in their buckets as possible at the Palmerton Memorial Pool won’t take place this year.

The Palmerton Memorial Park Association announced that it won’t hold an egg hunt this year, according to Clare Papay, membership and publicity chair, Palmerton Memorial Park Association.

“While the absence of the egg hunt may come as a disappointment to some, the association believes this decision is necessary to allocate volunteer and other resources effectively,” Papay said. The board of directors is in the process of prioritizing efforts on supporting the pool’s long-term goals and objectives, which requires difficult decisions about the traditional events from years past.

“In the current times when operating costs are skyrocketing and we are working with a smaller budget than previous years, it is imperative that we focus on what resources are available to us and use those resources to the best of our ability.

Papay said residents are encouraged to explore alternative egg hunt events that typically take place within the Palmerton area during the same weekend.

“The Palmerton Memorial Park Association extends its appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, and community members who have contributed to the success of the annual egg hunt in previous years,” she said. “The association looks forward to exploring new opportunities for community engagement and remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all Palmerton residents.”

Papay noted that due to a miscommunication, some local businesses were sent letters asking for donations for this event.

“The board thanks those who already offered to provide donations, and will use those donations to support future events,” she said. “At this time, no donations are required for an egg hunt event.”

Papay said the Palmerton Memorial Pool will open for the season on May 25, and that the Palmerton Memorial Park Association is working on plans for several special event days throughout the season.

While there won’t be an egg hunt at the pool, the annual egg hunt in the Palmerton Borough Park will still be held, according to Susie Arner, chairwoman of the borough park Egg Hunt.

Arner said the egg hunt in the borough park will take place at 11 a.m. March 23 for children up to and including the age of 12.

She said the event is being sponsored by the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, along with assistance from local businesses, civic groups, and the Aquashicola Fire Department assisting with manpower.