Easter fun for everyone this weekend

There will be several opportunities to enjoy some Easter fun this weekend.

On Saturday, April 19, The Grove Christian Church teams up with Ballparks of America and several area businesses to host an Easter egg hunt.  The free event begins at 10 a.m., and children can search for eggs, filled with candy and prizes. Children ages 0 to three begin their hunt at 10 a.m., and ages four-seven hunt at 10:30 a.m. Children in the eight- to 10-year-old category begin their Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. The fun-filled morning includes music, concessions, a photo booth and a bounce house. Eggs will be dropped from a helicopter, weather permitting. Ballparks of America is located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive on the west end of Branson.

The Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt, set for Saturday, April 19, from 12 to 2 p.m. is a free community event. The afternoon will offer a spectacular Easter egg hunt, games, vendors, entertainment and more. Children will enjoy balloon art, a coloring contest, scavenger hunt and more than 14,000 eggs. The Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Hollister School, 1914 State Highway BB in Hollister. Gates open at 12 noon and the Easter egg hunt begins at 12:30.

The dogs can get in on the Easter fun on Saturday with their own Easter egg hunt at Stockstill Park. For a nominal fee ($5 suggested donation), dogs can hunt for Easter eggs, stuffed with treats and prizes. Proceeds benefit the Branson Humane Society. The event gets underway at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be available following the event for photos with your pets. Stockstill Park is located at 625 Stockstill Lane in Branson.

You'll find Easter activities for the whole family at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Easter Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participate in an Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, pet baby bunnies, and more for a full Easter experience. Two Easter egg hunts each day Friday and Saturday will be held at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Shepherd of the Hills is located at 5585 West 76 Country Boulevard. Visit their website, theshepherdofthehills.com for ticket pricing and more information.

Visit Faith and Wisdom Church on Saturday, April 19, for the He is Risen Festival, complete with games, prizes, photos, an Easter egg hunt and lots of candy. The event celebrates Jesus and the fact that He is Risen. The festival gets underway at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m.  The He is Risen Festival is held at the Faith and Wisdom Church, 3950 Green Mountain Drive.

Most area churches are holding Easter Sunday services, with some even offering sunrise services, instead of, or in addition to the regular services. Check the website of your favorite church for information and service times.

No matter how you celebrate the special holiday, we wish you and yours a very pleasant and peaceful Easter!