An eagerly anticipated, family-friendly tradition will be happening once again in Dawson County.

The annual K.A.R.E. for Kids Easter Egg Hunt festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Park football field, off of Hyw. 9 North. The organization invites the community to come out for a lunch of hotdogs and more.

"This event ... goes back at least 25 to 30 years," said Calvin Byrd, president of K.A.R.E. for Kids. "The egg hunt has a rich history in this county. I can remember doing it as a kid."

The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures, as well as train rides, inflatable play houses, face painting and a mini-hamburger eating contest.

K.A.R.E. for Kids would like to remind participants that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. and for participants to arrive at least 30 minutes early with their basket in hand in order to snag the perfect location.

The hunt will be divided into five age groups: 0-2 (plus special needs), 3-4, 5-6, 7-9 and 10-12. One parent may assist in the 0-2 category.

"It's really just another way for us to give back to the kids in this community," Byrd said. "It's what K.A.R.E. for Kids is all about. We're not just toys and clothes at Christmas. We want to give kids a reason to smile year round."

All proceeds will go to K.A.R.E. for Kids.

For more information, contact K.A.R.E. for Kids at (706) 216-5273.