Easter weekend comes to Idyllwild, bringing with it traditional religious celebrations and the arrival of the first harbingers of spring — daffodils, nesting birds, blossoming trees and a sense that we can finally shrug off winter — a time to think of removing winter coats and releasing seasonal affective disorder and planning a rejuvenating summer.
Easter is not a fixed-date holiday. Even though it celebrates Christ’s Resurrection, the date for that celebration is fixed to the time of a full moon — the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon following the northern hemisphere’s vernal equinox. Easter is entwined with the arrival of spring and rebirth associated with that seasonal change.
Prior to Easter Sunday, Queen of Angels Catholic Church will have Holy Thursday Mass on April 5.
On Sunday in Idyllwild, churches, restaurants and organizations all plan services, menus and events to mark the occasion.
Easter in Idyllwild begins with a traditional sunrise or “Son” rise service at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 8 at Inspiration Point at the end of Double View Drive. Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church, Chapel in the Pines and Idyllwild Bible Church, jointly host the service. This year, Reverend Richard Olson, Community Presbyterian Church, officiates. Bring a lawn chair, dress warmly and come to commune and celebrate Christ’s Resurrection as dawn breaks gently over the mountain.
Scheduled Easter services:
- Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Masses at 8 and 10 a.m.;
- Idyllwild Bible Church, 9 and 10:45 a.m.;
- St. Hughes Episcopal, 10 a.m.;
- Idyllwild Community Presbyterian, 9:30 a.m.;
- Spiritual Living Center, Idyllwild Religious Science, 10 a.m.;
- Chapel in the Pines Christian Fellowship, 10 a.m.;
- Shiloh Christian Ministries, 10 a.m.;
- First Church of Christ Scientist, 10 a.m.
For the children, the Idyllwild Egg Hunt, sponsored by County EDA Town Hall Recreation begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Idyllwild Community Center site on Highway 243. “Children under 10 and over 55 are warmly welcomed; bring your own basket [for your eggs], a camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny and join in the annual Easter Bonnet Contest with prizes for winners.” Egg hunts will be conducted based on age groups, 0-2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-10, special needs, and “over the Hill” (over 55 years old).
The American Legion Post 800 will also host an Easter egg hunt from 1 to 3 p.m.
And finally, for the palate, area restaurants will be serving up Easter brunches and dinners. Check your restaurant of choice for what they are serving — a sampling: Lanny and Lorraine Hardy’s Creekhouse is serving up a special Easter Buffet and Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m; the Gastrognome serves Easter Brunch beginning at 10 a.m. with lunch items also available; Jo’An’s Easter Dinner begins at 2 p.m.; the American Legion Post 800 offers an Easter breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and, if on the go, Gary’s Deli is serving from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
to the reporter (Marshall Smith) that was a very nicely written article, educational, informative and the cute bunniiiiiiiies.