One of the most anticipated children’s events in Palm Springs is set for Saturday, March 31.
That is when more than 3,000 strategically hidden eggs and a special visit from the Easter Bunny on a fire engine will kick off the annual Palm Springs Firemen’s Association Easter Egg Hunt.
The 9 a.m. hunt, a staple of the Easter season, at Ruth Hardy Park has been a beloved tradition in Palm Springs for more than 40 years and is open to children between the ages of 2 and 9.
Last year more than 400 children scattered throughout the park looking for colorful eggs. In addition, the Easter Bunny will be on hand to take photos with youngsters and deliver special gifts.
Immediately following the event, there will be a pancake breakfast in the park. The price is just $5 per person for a stack of pancakes prepared by Palm Springs firefighters.
“The Palm Springs Firemen’s Association Annual Easter Egg Hunt is a much loved tradition in our city that is open to all families in the Coachella Valley,” said Fire Chief Kevin Nalder. “I invite everyone to bring your camera and celebrate the joy of the Easter holiday in the City of Palm Springs, like no place else.”
The Palm Springs Fire Department has been serving the residents and visitors of Palm Springs since 1931. It has continued to grow along with the city it serves. In 2016, the Department averaged approximately 10,000 calls for service. Currently the department is staffed with 19 suppression personnel each day, according to Palm Springs Professional Firefighters (CA), local 3601. These personnel comprise four engines, one truck, and Duty Battalion chief.
J. Kevin Nalder became Fire Chief in September 2015. He moved here from Kirkland, Wash., where he headed the Fire Department.
Nalder served six years in Washington. Before that, he spent more than 20 years in Salt Lake City in a variety of positions that included paramedic, firefighter and deputy fire chief.
