Many churches and organizations around the area will get a jump on Easter with egg hunts and other activities the weekend before the Christian holiday on April 9. Here's some of what's planned.
– Citywide egg hunt: This promotion by Chattanooga's Vinterest stores continues through April 8. Each day, store reps hide at least one egg around the area and hint at its location via Facebook and Instagram. If you find the egg, you can swap it for prizes awarded by store vendors (limit one prize egg per person). facebook.com/vinteresthixson
– Community Easter event: White Oak United Methodist Church, 2233 Lyndon Ave., will set up a range of family activities, including a bounce house, face painting, food and games, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. An egg hunt starts at 11:25 a.m. whiteoakumc.org
– Community Egg Hop: LaFayette, Ga., churches and Downtown Development Authority will sponsor this event 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the Ross Abney Complex, 101 First St. Inflatables, prize baskets, Thomas the Tank Engine rides and photos with the Easter Bunny are included. The hunt for 20,000 eggs starts at 10:30 a.m. Activities are special-needs accessible. https://bit.ly/3ZzyyLj
– Easter at Ridgedale: Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, will host an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Meadows across from the church. ridgedalebaptist.org
– Easter egg hunt: This community event at Apison Baptist Church, 11127 Old East Brainerd Road, starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and also includes games and lunch. 423-236-4291
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Whitwell, Tenn., resident Jacob Potts, 3, overcomes his fears and gives the Easter Bunny a fist bump during a photo session on March 20 at Northgate Mall.– Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun Day: Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park will host activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga. The egg hunt starts at 11 a.m. for ages 2-5 and at 11:30 a.m. for ages 6-10. Easter baskets will be given away while supplies last. There's a $5 parking fee. 706-657-4050
– Easter Eggstravaganza: Vendors, food trucks, a bake-off and photos with the Easter Bunny are among the activities scheduled 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the Walker County Civic Center, 10052 U.S. 27, Rock Spring, Ga. The egg hunt is free, but online registration is requested for the two age groups (up to 12 years old). There are $10 charges for all-day admission to the Kids Zone and a meet-and-greet with Spider-Man and Mirabel of "Encanto." eventbrite.com
– Easter Picnic in the Park: Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle will host an Easter egg hunt on the playground and serve pizza, chips, cupcakes and other refreshments 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Little General Park, 15 Cleveland, St., Ringgold, Ga. There's no charge, but registration is requested. catoosabaptisttabernacle.com/events
– Eggstravagant Easter Egg Hunt: Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn., will have its Easter egg hunt on 3 acres and continually replenish the supply as children fill their baskets and redeem their finds for prizes. The park will have several of its attractions open, including the playground, zip line and pedal cars. Children may bring their own basket or use one of the farm's to hunt. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and April 7-8. Cost is $17. Breakfast With the Easter Bunny may be added at 9 or 11 a.m. for $27. The breakfast option means smaller crowds for the hunt. All tickets must be purchased online. mayfieldfarmpark.com/springfestival
EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS
The Easter Bunny is available for photos and visits at the four area shopping malls through April 8, as well as at Bass Pro Shops in East Ridge through April 9. At the malls, customers may walk in or reserve a time online. Bass Pro requests online reservations.
– Chattanooga: Hamilton Place, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. The last day for pet photos is Monday. hamiltonplace.com
– Cleveland, Tenn.: Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway. shopbradleysquare.com
– Dalton, Ga.: Dalton Mall, 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga.. daltonmall.com
– East Ridge: Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Bass Pro Drive. basspro.com/shop/en/easter
– Hixson: Northgate Mall, 271 Northgate Mall Drive. The last day for pet photos is Monday. visitnorthgatemall.com
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.