Easter 2012

by Shelley T. Hudson

Just when you’ve finally pulled the last remnants of plastic grass from your carpet and worked off last year’s Peeps, Easter comes hippity-hopping down the bunny trail all over again. This year, treat your entire family to good, sweet fun throughout South Orange County at these holiday events.

Dana Point
The City of Dana Point’s Egg Hunts are jelly bean-packed with activities—and free! The simultaneous celebrations start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7th at Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano) and Sea Canyon Park (33101 Trinidad Drive). Kids ten and younger are welcome to enjoy the petting zoos, games and visits with Mr. Cottontail himself. The egg hunts start at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so bring baskets to gather your loot and cameras to capture the fun.

If you’re an early riser, join parishioners of Coast Bible Church at Lantern Bay Park Amphitheater (25111 Park Lantern Road) for Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 8th at 6:30 a.m. An uplifting message and live music will inspire and entertain.

Laguna Beach
The American Legion continues its 50-plus-year tradition with the popular Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids nine years and younger are invited to bring empty baskets and participate in free activities. The festivities start at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 8th at Laguna Beach High’s baseball field (625 Park Avenue), but you can arrive early to pose with the Easter Bunny.

Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel Parks & Rec is sponsoring its annual Bunny Blast on Saturday, April 7th from 9:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. at Chapparosa Park (25191 Chapparosa Park Road). Kid-sized fun includes face painting, pony rides, a bounce house, shows, a petting zoo and crafts. Remember to bring cash for snacks and entry; admission is $7 for ages 3 – 12 and $1 for ages 13 and up. Please leave your pets at home and call the hotline for updates in the event of rain—949.425.5100.

San Clemente
The Springtacular is one of San Clemente’s signature events. Starting with a pancake breakfast (for a nominal fee) hosted by the Kiwanis Club at 7:30 a.m. and culminating with a Great Big Egg Hunt at 11:00 a.m. for newborns through age ten, this free festival is a can’t-miss. The party will be held at Vista Hermosa Sports Park (987 Avenida Vista Hermosa) on Saturday, April 7th. Roaming entertainers, games and Easter Bunny visits will surprise and delight the young ones. Yummy snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Recreation Division at 949.361.8264.

The City of San Clemente has teamed with Family Assistance Ministries once again for the Community Easter Brunch at Our Lady of Fatima (105 N. La Esperanza) on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship with needy individuals and families in our community. Stop by FAM at 929 Calle Negocio to pick up an invitation for someone who could use a helping hand (walk-ups also accepted). Volunteers and donations are welcome. For information, call 949.492.8477.

Talega Village Center and Radio Disney will host an Easter party from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 1st. The Radio Disney Road Crew will lead bunny dances and contests and an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt right in front of Spoon Deep Yogurt. The Easter Bunny also will be on hand for photos and fuzzy little hugs.