Easter action is happening in neighbourhoods across New West from Queensborough to Sapperton.
In past years, the City of New Westminster has hosted family-friendly activities in Queen’s Park on Easter Sunday, but it’s now spreading the fun across the city.
Easter in the City, taking place from Thursday, April 14 to Monday, April 18, features old favourites, such as photos with the Easter Bunny, and new additions, including Easter Bunny pet photos. All the details, plus registration, can be found at www.newwestcity.ca.
Lisa Kemp, the city’s program coordinator of special events, said the goal of Easter in the City was to preserve activities that were traditionally offered at Queen’s Park, while adding some new traditions and making the event more accessible to all.
“The updated Easter event spreads activities out over five days, brings activities to all neighbourhoods and provides opportunities for all ages,” she said. “We are also excited to partner with several local businesses and community organizations to further the reach of the Easter activities.”
When does the fun start?
Folks of all ages are invited to enjoy some Easter fun at the New West Farmers Market in Tipperary Park on Thursday, April 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. In addition to supporting local vendors, you’ll b able to guess how many eggs are in the jar for a chance to win market money to spend and to pick up a child-friendly Easter bag (while supplies last) outside the farmers market to take to all of the Easter activities taking place over the weekend to create an activity bag.
The Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt is also taking place for kids aged two to 10 at the New West Farmers Market (entrance near the Queens Avenue entrance to the park). Parent participation is required and admission is by donation to the food bank.
“Find eggs and buy eggs! Hop on down to help the Easter Bunny find eggs in Friendship Garden, while helping to purchase eggs for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s 10,000 monthly clients,” said the city’s notice. “Join in on the hunt, explore this unique park space, and support a local charity.”
Did someone say scavenger hunt?
From Thursday, April 14 until Sunday, April 24, residents of all ages are invited to participate in the Unbeatable Scavenger Hunt. This free event gives people a chance to “join in on an egg-citing downtown scavenger hunt” and support businesses in the downtown core – and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the business of your choice.
“Visit the participating storefronts to unscramble the hidden message,” said the notice.
What else is happening downtown?
Fraser River Discovery Centre is hosting the Spring Salmon Extravaganza on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Easter weekend. The center invites residents to try out the spring salmon egg hunt and to get acquainted with fishy friends during guided salmon-themed activities on Friday and Saturday.
Pre-registration is recommended for FRDC events. Go to www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/eggs to register or to get more information.
What about Queen’s Park?
Hoppy Crafting is taking place at the Queen’s Park picnic shelter on Friday, April 15. It’s free, but families must reserve a space (six family members per space) from 11 to 11:45 a.m., 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and 2 to 2:45 p.m.
“Hippity-hop down the bunny trail to the picnic shelter at Queen’s Park for a nature-themed Easter event,” said the city’s notice. “Staff will guide you through a series of family-friendly Easter crafts and activities. Dress for the weather and prepare to get a bit dirty foraging for natural elements.”
Can I still have my photo taken with the Easter Bunny?
Youngsters and the young at heart can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny on Friday, April 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sapperton Plaza. The city’s horticultural department will be providing a backdrop display.
While there, community members will be able to enjoy live music and treats. Photos are by donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Residents are invited to pop (hop?) down to the Queensborough Community Centre to get their family pet’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny. That event is happening on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration is required by emailing Bosley’s in Columbia Square at [email protected]. Photos are by donation to the New Westminster animal shelter.
What else is happening?
You can build an Easter Bunny house and make an Easter egg suncatcher on Saturday, April 16 at Centennial Community Centre. Call 604-777-5100 to register (one time spot only) for this free event that’s being offered from 9:30 to 10:35 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
On Saturday, you can head to the main branch and the Queensborough branch of the New Westminster Public Library to take part in an egg hunt while checking out the Easter books and movies. This free event is on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Take note: the library will be closed on Good Friday (April 15), Easter Sunday (April 17) and Easter Monday (April 18).
What fun is planned for Easter Sunday?
The Junior Chef Egg-stravaganza is on Sunday, April 17 at the Queensborough Community Centre. This event, for kids aged eight to 12, gives participants a chance to make some Easter treats to take home to the family.
Parent participation is not required for the Junior Chef Egg-stravaganza, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is $2.
Younger kids (three to 12 years) can enjoy Hop’ Till You Drop on Sunday, April 17 at Century House.
“Join DJ Rock ‘n’ Beau for an eggciting time! We have an epic dance party, hopp’n surprises, bunny hop limbo, dance off challenges, and much more planned for the whole fam to enjoy!,” said the notice.
It’s free, but registration is required for the 1 to 1:45 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:15 time slots. Parent participation is required.
What about Easter Monday?
If kids consumed a little too much sugar (or even if they didn’t) they’ll be able to enjoy an Indoor Playland (for kids zero to five years of age) at the Queensborough Community Centre. The free drop-in is happening on Monday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Enjoy Easter Monday morning experiencing a variety of fun and interactive activities,” said the city’s notice. “Bounce like a bunny on our indoor bouncy castle. Tons of fun for your little ones! Parent participation is required.”
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