With the sun beating down on their shoulders, hundreds of children stormed the field to claim bright-colored eggs during the 26th annual Community Easter Egg Hunt.

Earlier on Saturday, KARE for Kids' volunteers had spread more than 20,000 hard plastic eggs across the fields at Veterans Memorial Park.

KARE is a local nonprofit that provides for Dawson County's children in need. Formerly known as the Moss Easter Egg Hunt, the event is one of the largest of its kind in Georgia.

The festivities began in the late morning and stretched into the afternoon, drawing a crowd of about 6,000 people, KARE president Calvin Byrd said.

Other activities included face painting, a bounce house, train rides and photos with the Easter bunny. KARE volunteers also sold hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches.

"It's a great thing for kids to do," said Dahlonega resident Tiffany Kelley. "Plus, it's a time for my daughter, Melanie, and I to spend together."

With candies and sweets in mind, dozens of children broke the barricades to toss treasure into their baskets.

Byrd said keeping the children patient beforehand can be challenging.

"The hardest part is trying to keep kids from jumping the gun," said Byrd, adding that he appreciated all the efforts of volunteers from KARE and War Hill Church. "They are the ones who have made this possible."

Dawsonville resident Ruth Ann Lawrence brought her daughter and grandchild, Isaiah.

"The event went great," Lawrence said. "I enjoy coming out and being with the kids in the community, celebrating Easter, seeing the Easter Bunny and going crazy getting the eggs."

The event also featured a hamburger-eating contest, won by Dawson County resident Walter McCoy.

McCoy downed nine miniature burgers in three minutes - two off last year's tally of 11 by Joseph Decoteau - to earn a $50 gift certificate.