Contributed Photo: A participant from a previous event gathers eggs. This year’s event will be Friday, April 15, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Staff Reports
THATCHER – After having a drive-through event in 2020 and completely missing last year due to the pandemic, organizer Stormi Norton is pleased to announce the triumphant return of the fifth annual Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt & Backyard Carnival.
This year’s event will take place at 4415 W. 12th St. in Thatcher, on Friday, April 15, from 4 – 6 p.m.
The event is hosted by Stormi Norton, who began the egg hunt six years ago after seeing her son, Bentley Clonts, now 10, struggle at the annual Easter Egg hunt at the Graham County Fairgrounds. Clonts has autism, cerebral palsy, and a chromosomal abnormality which made it difficult for him to participate in the fun of the Easter Egg hunt.
“(It) got me thinking how limiting it is for children with special needs, especially those in wheelchairs,” Norton said. “So, I’ve found a way to accommodate all ages and different types of disabilities to allow them to finally be able to participate in an egg hunt.”
The Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt is a free event where families of children and adults with special needs can come and eat pizza, get an Easter basket, collect eggs, and get entered into a chance to win prizes from a giveaway.
Thanks to the many various sponsors, there will be bouncy houses from Ultimate Bounce, free pizza courtesy of Freedom Ford, and numerous coupons from various businesses.
The egg hunt will involve more than 500 eggs and siblings of the special needs participants are allowed to join in as well. Everyone will get an Easter basket.
For more information call Stormi Norton at (928) 322-8357.
What: Fifth annual Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt
When: Friday, April 15, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: 4415 W. 12th St. Thatcher, Arizona
Cost: Free
Info: Call Stormi Norton at (928) 322-8357.
