PORTSMOUTH -- The Easter bonnets may have been traded in for winter hats Saturday, but about 500 children weathered the cold and searched for eggs at the annual Portsmouth Easter Egg Hunt.

A total of about 5,000 plastic pastel Easter eggs were "hidden" on the grass and melting snow at Langdon Park, across from City Hall.

"We have it down to a science," said Barry Foley, assistant director of Portsmouth Recreation, about hiding the thousands of eggs. "If the weather cooperates, it all falls into place."

Foley said the department debated whether to hold the event outside this year, due to the cold weather and snow covering the ground, but finally agreed Portsmouth residents would want to enjoy the sunshine, even if it was chillier than normal.

Children from pre-school to second grade placed eggs in their Easter baskets, took photos with the Easter Bunny, had their faces painted and ate candy. Others planned their search strategy.

Five-year-old Gracey Jordan held the basket she decorated herself with pride, as she waited for the hunt to begin. Last year, Jordan found a "golden egg," which can be traded in for a prize. Jordan said she planned to search around trees again this year, in the hopes of finding another golden egg.

"It's just a real fun way to kick off the spring season," Foley said.