Hop to local events for bunnies, eggs and more

Roswell DAily RecoRD

Easter, like Christmas, has become a major secular holiday in most parts of the world, as well as a Christian religious celebration. Also as with Christmas, many of the common symbols of the commemoration come from pagan traditions.

For example, according to various online encyclopedias and history sites, eggs were used to represent new life during pagan festivals celebrating the start of spring. In Africa and ancient Egypt, painted eggs were left in tombs. By the 13th century, Christians were boiling and decorating eggs because church traditions did not allow the eating of eggs during that time, prompting people to find another use for the eggs their hens were laying.

Over time, an Easter “nest” filled with decorated eggs evolved into baskets filled with other candies and gifts as well. The first official “egg roll” in the United States occurred in 1878 on the White House lawn. This year, 81% of U.S. residents are expected to celebrate Easter in some way, according to the National Retail Federation. A 2023 survey commissioned by the NRF found that about 56% of respondents plan to enjoy a holiday meal this year. Half plan to spend time with family and friends. Church activities will be a part of 43% of people’s plans, while 34% expect to participate in egg hunts.

Many churches in Chaves County are planning celebrations intended for their congregations or those attending their Easter services, and some local businesses are holding Easter-related activities for those who come to their stores or business sites. As of press time, the Roswell area also has a few community events planned as well.

• Blacklight Egg Hunt, Friday, March 31, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 203 S. Ohio Ave. This free event in the backyard of a local home is expected to include photos with the Easter Bunny, candy and snacks, karaoke and a Blacklight egg hunt.

• Good Friday Family Night, Friday, April 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Church on the Move main parking lot, 901 W. Brasher Road. This free event for youth and their families will include food trucks, games and the handing out of plastic eggs containing tickets for prizes. “Our goal is to reach the lost, and we do that by inviting all the community to come and just take part in all that we are doing here,” said Administrative Assistant April Guilez. She said the church typically holds a community Easter event every year, and she added that the church also will have an Easter Sunday service that people are invited to intend.

• Easter in the Courtyard, Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 1413 S. Union Ave. An egg hunt for youth 6 to 12 will occur a couple of times during the free community event. Hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as cotton-candy and other treats, also will be offered, with bounce houses, raffles and other activities planned for the day.

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