Easter, eggs, bunnies usher in springtime fun

The Rev. Jim Robinson, pastor of First Henderson United Methodist, likes to give the kids at his church empty eggs at Eastertime.

OK, that’s not as bad as it sounds; he gives them filled eggs, too.

“That would be kind of cruel,” Robinson said with a laugh.

But the empty eggs teach the kids a lesson about Christianity.

“It represents the empty tomb of Jesus,” he said.

In the same way, he said, that a bird emerging from its egg, leaving behind the empty shell, is a new life, so, too, does the empty shell represent new life in Jesus rising from the dead.

That’s the reason so many churches sponsor Easter egg hunts. But, as Robinson pointed out, eggs represent springtime, too, so there are plenty of secular celebrations across the valley at this time as well. Jim Johnson, public relations representative for the Springs Preserve, said the preserve’s Eggstravaganza! — March 30 this year — always draws a crowd.

“It celebrates the arrival of spring,” Johnson said. “It’s a family-friendly celebration. Everyone can come and make new memories and new traditions right here in the Vegas Valley.”

Johnson said besides the egg hunt, the day’s most popular features include a scavenger hunt, bunny-petting pen and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

“Growing up, you’ve got these special moments that a child remembers,” Johnson said. “Meeting the Easter Bunny, getting that picture, that would be one for the online photo album. It’s a really special time.”

Here’s a roundup of some egg hunts and related events across the valley. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Saturday

■ Paul Meyer Park Baseball Field, 4525 New Forest Drive, 9:30 to 11 a.m., egg hunts, candy and fun. Egg hunts at 9:45 a.m. for ages 2-4 (parents allowed), 10:05 a.m. for 5-6 (no parents), 10:25 a.m. for 7-10 (no parents). Call 455-7723.

■ Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Spring Fling, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village of Centennial Spring Park, southwest corner of Farm and Tule Springs roads. Egg hunt at noon, plus bounce house, music, silent auction, crafts and games. Call 645-0352.

■ South Hills Church Community, 9220 Manhattan Road, Henderson. Easter Eggstravaganza, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with egg hunt, games, jump houses, snow cones and Resurrection story. Call 616-6700.

■ Village Square, 9400 W. Sahara Ave. Second annual Easter Garden Party, noon to 2:30 p.m., egg hunt at noon limited to first 200 kids ages 2 through 10, plus appearance by the Easter Bunny, free photos to first 100 and free pottery painting for first 100.

March 29

■ Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility, 8275 Spring Mountain Road. Egg Dive! from 12:30 to 3 p.m., with kids retrieving weighted and floating eggs from shallow pool for prizes, $5 per participant; pre-registration required at www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/parksregistration through Wednesday. Call 455-7798.

March 29-31

■ Ethel M, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson. Spring Spectacular Weekend, 1 to 5 p.m. March 29 and 31, noon to 5 p.m. March 30, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting and balloon art.

March 30

■ Dula Gym, 441 E. Bonanza Road. Souper Spring Egg Hunt, tots, walking through age 4, gym, 9:30 a.m.; ages 5-6, dance room, 9:50 a.m.; 7-8, fitness room, 10 a.m.; 8-9, computer lab, 10:10 a.m.; 10-13, gym floor, 10:20 a.m. Bring a canned good or other nonperishable item (to be donated to Three Square food bank) and receive an extra ticket to win a prize egg. Call 229-6307.

■ First Henderson United Methodist Church, 609 E. Horizon Drive, Henderson. Tenth annual Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., open to children up to age 11 (fifth grade), with a special toddler area for those ages 0-4. Call 565-6049.

■ Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Eggstravaganza! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg hunts for all ages, bunny petting pen, pictures with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, food, DJ music, games such as hopscotch, potato-sack races and egg relays. Free for adults, Bunny Hopper passes for kids, $10 ($8 for members). Call 822-7700.

■ Town Square Park, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Hop & Shop Easter, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., morning Easter egg hunts every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1:40 p.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m. (hunts divided by ages 1-3 years, 4-6 and 7-10), afternoon Easter egg hunts every 20 minutes from 2 to 4:40 p.m., with registration beginning at noon (limited to 80 kids per hunt, and kids must bring their own baskets). Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos. Call 269-5000.

■ Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. Spring Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m. to noon, egg hunts, craft projects, photos with the Easter Bunny, DJ music, games, face painting, jump houses and drawings.

March 31

■ J.W. Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. Easter egg hunts at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., following brunch at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (brunch $52 for adults, $24 for children 5-12). Call 869-7381.

■ Redrock Baptist Church, 5500 Alta Drive, Easter egg hunt and drawing following 11 a.m. service. Call 870-9198.

■ Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, State Road 159. Egg hunt at 11 a.m., with three age categories: 4 and younger, 5-8 and 9-12. With special guest the Easter Bunny. Park entrance fee required, which is $9 per vehicle ($7 for Nevada residents). Call 875-4141.

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@review journal.com or 702-383-0474.