GROWN UP FUN
Grown Up Egg Hunt gets adults in on some post-Easter fun
TROY, N.Y.>> The Capital Region Grown Up Egg Hunt, now in its sixth year, offered participants a little springtime fun on Sunday.
Founded in Troy by former Record reporter Danielle Sanzone in 2012, this annual post-Easter event is a chance for those in an older demographic to experience the thrill of an egg hunt, with proper competition and more valuable prizes.
This year, more than 100 people hunted for eggs in three different settings.
For the first time ever, the main egg hunt took place at Jennings Landing at the Corning Pre- serve in downtown Albany. “It went really well,” said 2017 event organizer Ty Versocki of Albany- based media relations agency Relentless Awareness.
Two other city hunts took place as well: one along Lark Street in Albany and one throughout downtown Troy. These were opportunities for people to hunt in a more leisurely setting, while exploring the local businesses in these areas.
“We love downtown and she loves to be outside,” said Troy resident Kourtney Gallagher. She participated with her husband Tom Gallagher and little Annie B., who was steered around in a toy car with an “enjoy troy.” sticker for the city hunt in Troy.
“It was really cool because it brought us into a bunch of places we had not been,” Kourtney said, mentioning Rare Form Brewing Company and The Ruck’s patio area.
As one of her prizes, Kourtney received a $20 gift certificate to The Ruck, so they’ll be back again soon. Tom won a gift card to downtown doughnut shop Nibble Inc.
“It brings people to downtown and it helps them become familiar with the new businesses,” said Troy Kitchen owner Cory Nelson, who was glad to have his food court participate as a stop on the Troy city hunt.
“It gets people out and it’s a nice day for it. So, it’s great,” said Nick Edwards, who handed out prize- filled eggs at Collar City Sweet Shoppe on Third Street.
“I’m so happy t he weather held up. It’s a beautiful day,” Versocki said on Sunday afternoon after the three egg hunts were finished.
“The egg hunt team had a great time putting this together,” Versocki said, adding that she is appreciative of all the participants, businesses and organizations involved in the event.
Sanzone, who was running Troy city hunt on Sunday, was pleased to see the Capital Region Grown Up Egg Hunt continue into its sixth year.
“For me, it’s been nice being able to see this event grow,” she said. Once again, she enjoyed seeing people explore the local cities and have fun on a spring day, while raising money for good causes.
Proceeds from the sixth annual Capital Region Grown Up Egg Hunt will support the Albany Center Gallery, now celebrating its 40th year as one of the Capital Region’s popular art galleries and In Our Own Voices, an Albany- based advocacy and support organization focused on issues and concerns facing LGBT people of color.