The days are steadily getting longer. The daffodils are in full bloom in most places. The temperature is edging upwards. And it’s just about time to start the annual search for Easter eggs.
In Richmond, there’s plenty of ways to do that as community centres across the city are offering the chance to have some fun while embarking on a quest to find some sweet treats.
But in Steveston this coming Saturday and Sunday (March 26 and 27), there’s a special type of Easter egg hunt that is held each year, one that’s very much in keeping with the fishing village’s history. And while it involves the collection of a treat at the end, like most other egg hunts, the special journey at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is packed with loads of information and fun.
It’s also when the “Easter Salmon” pays a visit.
“Yes, we have the Easter Salmon drop by on the weekend to greet everyone,” said Mimi Horita, spokesperson at the cannery, adding the sight of a salmon sporting a pair of bunny ears and whiskers is an immediate hit with all visitors. “It’s a lot of fun.”
So, too, is the special “salmon egg” hunt conducted inside the 122-year-old national historic site that used to be one of the largest canneries in Richmond.
“We get the kids to go in search of clues for salmon that are in different stages of life,” Horita said. “They start out with eggs, then go up to alevin — the stage where they still have an egg sac attached to their body — then it’s on to the fry stage.
“It’s all meant to be fun, as well as educational.”
Once the salmon egg hunters have completed their tasks and discovered all the salmon life stages, they can trade them in for a treat.
The hunt at the cannery (12138 Fourth Ave.) is open for youngsters from age two to 12 and runs every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost is $3.90 for young egg hunters. Regular admission of $7.80 applies to adults.
While wee egg hunters are waiting for their turn there will be a host of arts and crafts to keep them busy. And new this year is a spring salmon obstacle course to challenge them.
“The kids can try out being a salmon that’s swimming upstream, trying to get around things like log booms,” Horita said.
n Elsewhere in Richmond, there is a host of more traditional Easter egg hunts, most of them hosted at local community centres.
The West Richmond Community Centre (9180 No. 1 Rd.) is holding its Easter “Eggstravaganza” on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. During that two-hour window youngsters 12 and under can scour the playground area for Easter eggs.
Afterwards, they can enjoy a lunch of pizza, veggies and fresh fruit, said organizer Stephanie Nesbitt.
In addition to the hunt there will be a raffle for a child’s bike, and plenty of arts and crafts.
There is space for 100 Easter egg hunters. Registration is required. Cost is $10 per child and includes lunch for one child and an adult caregiver. Extra lunch tickets are available.
To register, call 604-238-8400.
Over in east Richmond at the Hamilton Community Centre Saturday (March 26) is the day for hunting Easter eggs.
The fun gets started at 10 a.m. and runs until noon. Cost is $10 per child and includes arts, crafts and a special visit from a certain long-eared guest.
The Easter egg hunt is split into two age groups. The one to five-year-olds start at 10:45 a.m., and the six to eight-year-olds get going at 11:15 a.m.
In the gym, there will be a host of Easter-themed arts and crafts, as well as activities that include pin the tail on the bunny and egg relay races, said organizer Kevin Nasiri.
At 10:30 a.m., the community centre’s hip hop dance group will perform and the Easter Bunny will make an appearance.
The Hamilton Community Centre is located at 5140 Smith Drive.
To register, call 604-718-8055.
Saturday is also the day for Easter fun at the South Arm Community Centre (8880 Williams Road). The “Eggstravaganza” starts at varying times, depending on the age group.
One to three-year-olds go from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
For those three to six-years-old the hunt begins runs from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
And those seven to 12-years-old the hunt is from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Price is $7 per child and parent participation is required.
After the hunting is done, the celebrations continue with arts and crafts in the gym where youngsters can make an Easter egg basket or a paper bag bunny. There will also be a jelly bean count contest, a cookie decorating table and colouring station, said organizer Winnie Wong.
To register, visit online at richmond.ca/register or call the South Arm Community Centre at 604-238-8060.
