Pushy Parents Ruin Easter Egg Hunt at PEZ Candy in Orange

ORANGE, CT - Will there be a fourth annual PEZ Easter Egg Hunt next year?

That is now very much in doubt after a melee of sorts broke out during Saturday's Easter Egg Hunt held at the iconic facility, which left some children even getting pushed around in the process.

PEZ officials say some parents didn’t follow the rules, which led to pushing and shoving among some of the 1,000 attendees.

Randi Renee wrote on PEZ’s Facebook page that she “was there and had to drive away with three crying six year olds. I don't blame the personnel, I blame the parents. They are responsible for their own behavior. Had they listened to the rules, none of this would have happened. I even saw one proud parent walking away with more than plenty eggs in a basket on his shoulder like it was the WWF wrestling belt, all while many children were crying.”

One grandparent said her grandson ended up bloodied from the event, NBC Connecticut reports.

A total of 10,000 eggs were hidden on three fields and PEZ officials planned to have three start times for different age groups, but some parents took off on their own, and chaos ensued, according to media reports including NBC Connecticut.

After the Easter Egg hunt commotion, PEZ officials released a statement, according to Fox 61.

“Due to the actions of a few, the good intent quickly turned into a mess. I would like to sincerely apologize to each of our guests, this was not something created to frustrate or make people angry. We only wanted to do good for the local community.”

"I take this personally. I don’t want this to be a reflection of the brand," Shawn Peterson, the general manager of the PEZ visitor center in Orange told NBC Connecticut. "It was a fun thing up until this point."

But some parents were pointing fingers at PEZ officials saying more employees should have been there to control the crowd. PEZ had one employee at each of the three fields, which they said is the norm in past events.

However, on the PEZ Facebook page, several parents blasted those who ruined the supposed to be family friendly event.

Jody Belade wrote, “It's a disgrace that adults once again ruin a children's event. What is wrong with people? ..let kids be kids and have fun.“

Tanya M. Grant added, “I don't think this is a disgrace to PEZ, I think it's a disgrace to think that we have parents in the world who have no idea how to follow directions. Let alone be respectful of other parents and children.

Kym Vance wrote, “Thank you to PEZ for trying to do something nice for the children of the community. Shame on the parents who ruined it because they have no manners.”

Dj Pavasaris said what’s next? “having police in riot gear and national guard troops to enforce start line protocol because people are too stupid to follow rules.”