EASTER EVENTS

Local churches, businesses and organizations are offering a plethora of Easter-inspired activities during the next two weekends. Below, you’ll find a listing of local happenings, including Easter egg hunts and special sunrise Easter services.

SUNRISE SERVICES
Several local churches are offering sunrise services, in addition to their regularly scheduled services, for the Easter holiday.

The Tabernacle Church — will host its 39th annual Easter Sunrise Celebration Service at 6:30 a.m. March 31, at Sarasota’s Bayfront Island Park, next to Marina Jacks restaurant. Service includes a live performance from Tabernacle’s Praise and Worship team and a message from the Rev. Dwain Kitchens.

A traditional Easter service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Tabernacle, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota. The church also will hold a Good Friday service at 6 p.m. March 29.

Cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch — will hold a sunrise service at 7 a.m. March 31, at the church, 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch.

Regular services will follow at 9 and 10:45 a.m.

A Good Friday service also will be held at 7 p.m. March 29, at the church.

Lakewood Christian Church — will hold a special sunrise service at 7 a.m. March 31, at San Marco Plaza, in Lakewood Ranch, behind the Country Pancake House restaurant, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch.
A regular Easter morning service will follow at 10 a.m. at its normal location, the Fête Ballroom at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch.

The church also will host a Good Friday service at 6 p.m. March 29, at the Polo Grill and Bar’s Fête Ballroom.

Sarasota Baptist Lakewood Ranch Campus — will host a sunrise service at 7 a.m. March 31, at The Legacy Golf Club, 8255 Legacy Blvd., Bradenton. Following the service, the Legacy Golf Club will offer an Easter buffet beginning at 8 a.m. at a 15% discount for those in attendance.

Regular services will follow at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Sarasota Baptist’s campus, 5600 Deer Drive, Lakewood Ranch.

EGGstravaganza!
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 23
Where: Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13400 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch.
Details: Festivities include Easter egg hunts for children ages 2 to 13, pictures with the spring bunny, a live pony carousel, a petting zoo and music. Families should bring baskets in which to collect eggs. Event is for Lakewood Ranch residents.
COST: $5 per adult; $3 for children; free for children under 2
Info: 757-1530 or lwrcac.com

Eggolution Community Easter Egg Hunt
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23
Where: Lakewood Ranch Park
baseball fields
Details: Festivities will include egg hunt fields for kids through fifth grade and for special-needs children. There will be free food, inflatable games, bounce castles and an Easter Bunny. Please bring an Easter egg basket or bag for your child.
Cost: Free
Info: baysidecommunity.org

Jerusalem Marketplace
When: 10 a.m. to noon March 23
Where: Harvest United Methodist Church, 14305 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch
Details: Come and gather at the center well and catch up on all the stories of a town preparing for the Passover. Make your own spice blend. Learn about woodworking at the carpenter’s shop. Make a clay pot at the potter’s or a unique piece at the jewelry shop. Learn to dye fabric, make bread or weave a basket, or visit the barnyard and help feed the live animals.
Cost: Free
Info: welcometoharvest.org

Rock-n-Roll Family
Easter Festival
When: 10 a.m. to noon March 23
Where: The Tabernacle Church, 4141 DeSoto Road, Sarasota
Details: Church will host an Easter egg hunt for children ages 1 through 12. A special tot lot is available for younger children to participate. In a field of 15,000 eggs is one golden egg that will garner a special prize for one lucky child. Participants should bring their own basket or bag. There also will be crafts, games, music, a puppet show, bounce houses and more. The church will serve free hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks. Additionally, families in need can pick up groceries and free gently used clothing items, including coats, pants and dresses.
Cost: Free
Info: thetabsarasota.org or 355-8858

Easter Egg Hunt
When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. March 24
Where: Cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch, 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch
Details: Easter egg hunt will be held following church service.
Info: onthecorner.org

Woodland Egg Drop
When: 9 a.m. March 30
Where: Buffalo Creek Park,
8100 69th St. E., Palmetto
Details: Children and their families can enjoy music, crafts and an Easter egg hunt featuring more than 5,000 eggs dropped by helicopter. Local organizations and businesses also will be on site.
Cost: Free
Info: gowoodland.com

Main Street Easter Egg Hunt
When: 11 a.m. March 30
Where: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Details: Fun begins at 11 a.m. with the egg hunt at 11:30 a.m. More than 10,000 eggs and golden eggs will be available to find. A special egg-hunt area is available for children ages 3 and younger. Activities also include visiting the Easter Bunny, a kids chalk festival, prizes and giveaways, music and balloons and children’s games.
Cost: Free
Info: lakewoodranch.com

Peace Presbyterian Church Easter Egg Hunt
When: 11:30 a.m. March 31
WHERE: Peace Presbyterian Church, 10902 Technology Terrace, Lakewood Ranch.
Details: Easter egg hunt follows the 10 a.m. morning service. Free Easter storybooks provided.
Info: 753-7778 or [email protected]