SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Springfield, Ohio — The rabbits didn't stand a chance with 51 speedy 5- to 8-year-olds eager to take home a pet from this year's bunny scramble.

Children lined up at one end of the sheep barn as several unsuspecting rabbits were placed at the other end. When the announcer said "go," the children raced to grab a hare.

Emily McNail, 7, brought home a rabbit from this year's bunny scramble.

"I ran really fast," she said.

Noah Rutter, 6, grabbed his first bunny at the scramble.

Beth Oelker won a Dutch rabbit at the first bunny scramble held 26 years ago in a small tent owned by Joyce Smith and her husband.

Smith's husband died in March 2007, but she was at this year's scramble to take down names and enjoy the event.

"We've kept it going," she said. "I love to see the little kids."

Oelker now breeds Dutch rabbits and helps run the scramble as vice president of the Springfield Rabbit and Cavy Breeders.

This year, all the children who participated brought home bunnies, which were donated by local breeders, said Hazel Everetts, an event organizer.

"It's something the little kids can do beside ride rides," Everetts said.

The children are invited to show their rabbits at a contest for "bunny scramble" winners at next year's Clark County Fair, Oelker said. Seven children returned for this year's contest, she added.

"We hope they will start showing rabbits," Oelker said. "If not, they'll just have a good pet."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0283 or jbalmert@coxohio.com.