With the celebration of Easter around the corner, below are several events in communities around our region, from church gathering to Easter egg hunts, brunch to live music.
BRYSON CITY
• The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express Train will be at 11 a.m. April 3-4 at the Bryson City Train Depot. Enjoy the characters of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and crew. Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, snacks, and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.
CANTON
• The annual town Easter Egg Hunt will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Canton Recreation Park. Egg hunts for ages 1-5 years old and 6-12 years old. Sponsored by the Town of Canton, Canton Police Department and Champion Credit Union. www.cantonnc.com.
CASHIERS
• The 5th annual Easter Egg Hunt will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at the gazebo at The Village Green. Hundreds of eggs will be scattered around the park. There will also be an Easter bonnet contest for girls. 828.743.3434 or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
• An Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 5, at the gazebo at The Village Green. Music and scripture, with attendees encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
DILLSBORO
• The Easter Hat Parade celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 4 in downtown. The day begins with an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. on Webster Street, followed with hat making at 10:30 a.m. at Dogwood Crafters, then the parade at 2 p.m. at Town Hall. 828.586.5391 or www.visitdillsboro.org.
• There will be an Easter Tea held by Dogwood Crafters at the Historic Jarrett House on Saturday, April 4. Seatings will be at 1 and 3 p.m. English style finger sandwiches, sweets and tea. Proceeds will go to Dogwood’s building fund. $15. 828.586.2248.
FONTANA
• The Easter Family Festival weekend will be April 3-5 at Fontana Village Resort. Among the numerous events, there will be an Easter Eggstravaganza from 3 to 4:30 p.m. April 4 and an Easter Buffett from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 5, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 3 p.m. www.fontanavillage.com or 855.974.5302.
FRANKLIN
• Eggstravaganza will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 3 at The Factory. The $13 kids crew member pass includes a pizza buffet, ice cream bar, face painting, gaming bonus and an “eggcellent scavenger hunt.” There will also be photos with the Easter Bunny. 828.349.8888 or www.thefactory.bz.
HIGHLANDS
• An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, at the Eckerd Living Center. All are welcomed to attend.
LAKE JUNALUSKA
• The annual Lake Junaluska Easter weekend will include children’s activities egg decorating contests starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Harrell Center Auditorium. Egg hunts for various ages will then follow at 11 a.m. near the Stuart Auditorium. There will be Easter sunrise services at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 5, at the Lake Junaluska amphitheater and cross, with a breakfast to follow from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Lambuth Inn, a Long’s Chapel service at 10:30 a.m., and a lunch buffet at 11:30 a.m. in the Terrace Hotel. For more information, tickets and reservations, click on www.lakejunaluska.com/easter or 828.454.6662.
MAGGIE VALLEY
• An Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5, at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. A free pancake breakfast will follow.
SAPPHIRE VALLEY
• An Easter Egg Hunt will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. Hunts for ages 1-3, 4-5 and 6-12 years old. Refreshments to follow. 828.743.7663.
STECOAH
• An Easter Egg Hunt and duckie race will be at 11 a.m. April 4 at the Stecoach Valley Center. Visit by the Easter Bunny, bonnet contest, children’s activities, and more. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
WAYNESVILLE
• An Easter Egg Hunt will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the New Hop Church of God. 828.456.3509.
• An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Smoky Mountain Sk8way. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, roller-skating, climbing wall, egg hunt, and more. $5.