By Leslie Merchant
“Bring the kids and come play!” That’s not something you would expect to hear from a typical grocery store, but that’s exactly the kind of invitation loyal customers of Ralph’s Thriftway expect from their neighborhood market. On Saturday, March 23, Ralph’s Thriftway will hold its Fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m.
“This event is for everyone in the community,” exclaims Store Manager Dan Machado. “It’s a chance to thank our returning customers and also a chance to invite in some new ones. (Ralph’s) is a community store, and we share our customers’ lives with them.” The Easter Egg Hunt is one of the many ways that the Stormans’ family of businesses gives back to the people who keep them in business.
The hunt is divided into three groups: children four and under, five to seven year olds, and the eight to ten crowd. Eggs are hidden throughout an obstacle course for the little kids. Hay bales, wagons, and the occasional cartoon character all provide plenty of good hiding spots down the aisles of the store. Older children will have a decidedly more challenging quest as they search for riches hidden higher up off the floor.
Several hundred eggs will be hidden for the chase. 100 of them will be golden eggs that contain special treasures such as candy and coupons for free gelato and free cartons of real eggs. Approximately five hundred people participated in the past and Dan expects about the same this year.
When the kiddos are finished collecting their booty, the grownups will get their turn for some fun. Vendors will be stationed throughout the store giving away free samples of their products. The lineup includes vendors from Wilcox Farms, Jalisco Chips, and Boar’s Head Cheese and Meat. After the hunting and sampling wrap up, families will get a chance to win a yummy prize in the cakewalk. Thriftway’s Bakery is whipping up fifteen of its’ delicious concoctions to give away at the event.
It’s not only the kids who look forward to this free annual affair, but Ralph’s employees are anticipating the big day as well. “Every year there is a drawing to see which employee gets to be the Easter Bunny,” explains Dan. “It is a unique event because it’s a really fun environment (for everybody).” All of the store’s employees are in on the entertainment as the intercom system is turned over to them for the day. Dan says that, “our employees take turns making announcements during the hunt and throughout the day. They are not used to talking on the P.A. system, and they make a lot of funny mistakes.”
This will be the Fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt offered by Stormans, Inc. to its’ faithful customers. The hunt has swapped locations between Bayview Thriftway and Ralph’s Thriftway from year to year.
For more information on this year’s event or for information on any of the Stormans, Inc. family of businesses, please visit the website.
Ralph’s Thriftway
1908 East 4th
Olympia, WA 98506
