Residents from throughout Southeast Michigan flocked to Catalpa Oaks in Southfield, to take part in this year’s Great Marshmallow Drop. The free family-focused event puts a special twist on the traditional Easter Egg hunt by raining 15,000 marshmallows from the sky. Hosted annually by Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the Marshmallow Drop is known for its festive cheer, fantastic prizes, and up-close views of the marshmallow-coptor.
Marshmallows were dropped three times during the event to accommodate multiple age groups: those 4 and younger, those 5 to 7 and those 8 to 12. No matter the age, first time participants were thrilled by the drop.
After taking part in their first-ever marshmallow drop, siblings Lauren, Ryan, Matthew, and Kate were skipping with excitement as they zipped from the field to the prize tent.
“When all of the marshmallows fell from the air – from the helicopter – it was very amazing!” Ryan exclaimed, nearly out of breath.
For Marshmallow Drop veterans, the enthusiasm remains the same.
Naomi and her four-year-old son John have participated since John was an infant. Now the event is a tradition for the two.
“We’ve been the last couple of years, because it’s so cool,” Naomi said. “His favorite part is seeing the helicopter so close–he loves that.”
The Marshmallow Drop is also a tradition for Kenneth Austin, who has come with his 13-year-old son Quantay since he was little. This year, Kenneth and Quantay brought Quantay’s two-year-old sister Kayla along to continue the fun.
“She loves the marshmallows and the prizes,” Kenneth said. “I hold her tight so she doesn’t eat the marshmallows.”
For the Austins, fun that begins during the Marshmallow drop continues into the summer, when they redeem their prizes: discounted tickets to the Oakland County waterparks.
“The prizes are great. We go to the waterparks for birthdays and things like that more than five times throughout the summer,” Kenneth said.
This free event was presented by Oakland County Credit Union. Volunteers from Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, and other community members were also on hand to help during the festivities.
Visit Oakland County Parks and Recreation online for details on all 13 Oakland County Parks and follow along with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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