By Jenna Nienhuis
Two Harbors, located on Catalina’s west end, transformed into “Easter Island” this past weekend. Early morning sunshine and a light, salty breeze created the perfect conditions for an egg hunt tradition, hosted by the Corsair Yacht Club, which dates back over 70 years. Emerging from dinghies, tents, homes and lodges, the town swelled with joyful participants.
The Easter Bunny made a grand appearance at 8 a.m., rolling up in a roaring fire truck and instantly amping up the anticipation. On the count of three, a mob of 6-12-year-olds surged up the hill with bags and baskets to scour the grass and playground at Buffalo Park—everyone with the coveted golden egg on their minds. The five and under crowd scuttled around Harbor Sands at island pace searching for colorful eggs beneath picnic tables and at the base of palm trees.
This year’s egg hunt wasn’t without a bit of drama. About 5 minutes in, someone reported finding a golden egg; however, the hunt leader deemed it “not the real golden egg.” Hope surged again as the hunt continued. Hidden in plain sight beneath the grass, the true golden egg was discovered. All kids huddled around the lucky winner, who had arrived late to the hunt because her family’s dinghy had broken down—it all paid off!
In the end, all participants left with full hands and proud hearts.
“I opened it and I eat it!” exclaimed a two-year-old boy with sticky fingers and a sly smile.
Another girl shouted, “I got lots of coins and dollars!” Her bag dragged the ground with the weight of treasure.
The event is a gem for kids and grown-ups alike, many of whom have been sharing in this tradition for years. Event supporter and senior member of the Corsair Yacht Club, Roger Civalleri, has been coming to the Isthmus since he was a kid. “I still got excited sailing over on my boat this weekend,” he shared. “This place is in my blood.”
The egg hunt is part of an entire weekend of activities, including the Punch Bowl the night before, with a live band and a communal BBQ. The yacht club is a small group of highly active members, now welcoming the next generation of boaters.
“To me,” said Roger, his arm gesturing to the understated magnificence of nature and community around him, “this here is as good as it gets.”
Jenna Nienhuis is a San Diego–based writer and artist who visited Catalina in April and now plans to return whenever she can—drawn by the island’s wild beauty, folklore and charm. Read more of her writing at jennanienhuis.com.
