As the Campanile struck 10 Saturday morning, about 250 children took over central campus in search of more than 3,000 plastic eggs that laid gleaming in the sun during the annual greek Easter-egg hunt.

The Moline family of Ames learned its lesson last year when they arrived just as the children began their searches. They came early this year to make sure to their two children, Robbie and Katie, would have a chance to experience the event in its entirety.

Parents with their eager children lined up on either side of the Campanile before they set out to find the candy-filled treasures laying before them.

“We started early and have been practicing in the backyard,” said Pat Moline, mother of Robbie and Katie.

Brian Tenclinger, assistant dean of students for Greek Affairs, said the Easter-egg hunt has become a long-standing tradition partnering the Ames and greek communities.

“I have talked to faculty who took their kids and now take their grandchildren,” he said.

Piper Anderson, member of Alpha Gamma Delta and director of special projects for the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, and Chris Hall, member of Sigma Pi and vice president of operations for the Interfraternity Council, organized this year’s hunt with the help of the greek community and several local businesses.

“This event shows that we like to give back to the community,” said Hall, junior in political science.

Hobby Lobby, Cub Foods and Hy-Vee donated the eggs, and the candy was donated by Target. Osco Drug provided film and development for pictures with the Easter bunny.

Greek houses supplied the remaining items, said Anderson, junior in journalism and mass communication.

Each chapter was required to have five of its members present at the event. It took the 250 volunteers 20 to 30 minutes to prepare for the hunt, but it took less than two minutes for the kids to find every egg. Regardless of location, not one egg remained.

Although Katie Moline is only 15 months old, she wasn’t intimidated by the mob of children and parents standing between her and the eggs. She finished with six eggs, and Robbie’s basket was filled with 23 eggs. Their father, Rob, watched from a distance, recording it all with his camcorder.

“The first time I came I just got three,” said 4-year-old Robbie Moline.

Allan Hammell, a member of Phi Delta Theta, said seeing the kids’ excitement as they search is worth the work.

“They get me all pumped up to go home for my own Easter festivities,” said Hammell, sophomore in computer engineering.

The kids had their pictures taken with the Easter bunny, making plans to return next year as the tradition continues.