Egg-toting pranksters crack a big joke

SNOHOMISH — For mystery, this egg is hard to beat.

Large enough for a human to fit inside, a yellow egg turned up on the Ricci family farm south of Snohomish on Feb. 11.

Every morning for the next four days, the egg turned up in a different place on the 300-acre farm. Once, it was sitting up against a utility pole.

Then it disappeared and was gone for four days. When it returned on Wednesday, it was sitting in the middle of a large field on the farm along Elliott Road.

This time, it was white.

On Thursday, it was gone again.

“It’ll probably be purple next time,” said Darrell Ricci, 78, the farm’s patriarch.

Family members swear they did not hatch this caper.

They’ve stayed up late several times to see if they can spy the perpetrators, to no avail, said Brock Ricci, one of Darrell’s sons.

“We’ve tried, but we haven’t camped out all night,” he said. At times, the family’s dog barked, and “we’d look and watch and wouldn’t be able to see anything.”

They haven’t had many clues. No pterodactyl sightings have been reported.

“All we’ve noticed is tire tracks,” he said.

The egg is about 6 feet long and 4 feet in diameter, said Brock Ricci, 52.

“It feels like a hard plastic, or fiberglass. It’s hollow inside.”

The family grows hay, corn and pumpkins on the farm. Bob Ricci, Darrell’s son and Brock’s brother, runs Bob’s Corn, Maze and Pumpkin Farm on the property.

Darrell Ricci keeps about 50 chickens, but family members insist the egg is not a publicity stunt for Easter or anything else.

“We’ve been suspicious of a few people,” Brock Ricci said. “They deny it.”

When the egg was missing, family members actually went so far as to drive around the homes of friends to see if they had it stashed on their property, but didn’t see it, Darrell Ricci said.

“I guess it’s like that old Swedish joke — ‘The yolk’s on us,’” he said.

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Marysville
Marysville man arrested in alleged murder conspiracy in Anacortes

Jesse Michael Allen, of Marysville, is the fifth suspect police believe participated in an alleged kidnapping in September.

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

Rylee Fink, 3, left, stomps through the sand while other children run through the water during a low tide at Howarth Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stock up on sunblock: Highs in 80s could be coming to Snohomish County

Everett could hit a high of 79 on Saturday. Farther inland, temperatures could reach as high as 86 this weekend.

Neighbors stand in Lisa Jansson’s yard to get a view of the wall of processed wood remains, or “hog fuel,” building up along the property’s border with DTG on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility

For months, neighbors have reported constant noise and pollution at the facility. By July 15, DTG must stop accepting material there.

Everett
Deputies arrest woman after 2-hour standoff south of Everett

Just before 9 a.m., police responded to reports of domestic violence in the 11600 block of 11th Place W.

Bruiser, photographed here in November 2021, is Whidbey Island’s lone elk. Over the years he has gained quite the following. Fans were concerned for his welfare Wednesday when a rumor circulated social media about his supposed death. A confirmed sighting of him was made Wednesday evening after the false post. (Jay Londo )
Whidbey Island’s elk-in-residence Bruiser not guilty of rumored assault

Recent rumors of the elk’s alleged aggression have been greatly exaggerated, according to state Fish and Wildlife.

Jamel Alexander stands as the jury enters the courtroom for the second time during his trial at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Second trial in Everett woman’s stomping death ends in mistrial

Jamel Alexander’s conviction in the 2019 killing of Shawna Brune was overturned on appeal in 2023. Jurors in a second trial were deadlocked.

A car drives past a speed sign along Casino Road alerting drivers they will be crossing into a school zone next to Horizon Elementary on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Traffic cameras begin dinging school zone violators in Everett

Following a one-month grace period, traffic cameras are now sending out tickets near Horizon Elementary in Everett.

(Photo provided by Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Federal Way Mirror)
Everett officer alleges sexual harassment at state police academy

In a second lawsuit since October, a former cadet alleges her instructor sexually touched her during instruction.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.