Hippity Hoppin’ Down The Bunny Trail To Easter, Rebirth, New Life, And Spring’s Egg’stra Special Season
by Glen Richardson
Easter Brunch Bunch: Families celebrate the holiday at indoor-outdoor restaurant gatherings, including brunch in the regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel downtown.
Colorful Easter Character: The Bible makes no mention of this long-eared, short-tailed character, nevertheless, the Easter bunny is a prominent symbol of Christianity’s Easter holiday.
Easter — April 9 this year — has become a charming Cherry Creek Valley tradition bringin’ baskets full of fun spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting. Along with Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks and city-wide church services, the holiday is anchored by Passover which starts at sundown April 5 and ends April 13.
The holidays coincide with “Bud-Bust” — tell-tale signs that spring is upon us — as the Valley revives and reinvigorates after the colder months. Bees start buzzing as grass begins to grow again and flowers bloom.
From church services and colorful events to Easter eating, the Chronicle has found copious choices beyond dying eggs to keep you hoppin’ into spring:
Easter Services
Red Rocks Sunrise Service
Service is at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Mor
Hatching Hunts: A tradition since 16th-century Germany, children search for decorated eggs a various Valley sites including Glendale’s Infinity Park Turf Field and Four Mile Historic Park.
rison, April 9. Gates open 4:30 a.m., pre-worship music at 5:30 a.m., service begins at 6 a.m. Speaker is Father Michael Nicosia, Priest at the Ecumenical Catholic Communion, Aurora. Music is by Blood Brothers, a folk, country, and worship music quintet. Information: 303-825-4910.
Augustana Lutheran Church
Located at 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Augustana’s Easter Garden will be in full bloom with music by the Easter Brass and Augustana’s Chancel Choir, 8 a.m.
April Showers Spark Flowers: Rain showers spark the beginning of flowers and plants to really start blooming. Symbolizing a fresh start, daisies and sweet peas are the flowers of April.
Information: 303-388-4678.
Catholic Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception
Holy Week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral
Cathedral is seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Service is at 10:30 a.m. with music by St. John’s School & Adult Choir. An Easter egg hunt follows from noon to 12:30 pm. Information: 303-831-1350.
University Park United Methodist Church
Church located at 2180 S. University Blvd. has 7 a.m. sunrise service on the Colgate Lawn followed by traditional worship in the sanctuary 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Information: 303-722-5736.
Assumption Of The Theotokos Cathedral
Greek Orthodox Easter — celebrated Sunday after Passover’s first full moon — is April 16 at the Cathedral in Glendale. Divine Liturgy, 9:30-11 a.m., ritual Greek Easter Dance (Cretan), 12:30 p.m.; Pan Orthodox Vespers, 5 p.m. Information: 303-388-9314.
Passover
Spring Services: In addition to Easter Sunrise Services at Red Rocks, St. John’s Cathedral (pictured) and churches city-wide celebrate with special services, music, and the ringing of church bells.
Judaism Your Way
Community Seder at Denver Botanic Gardens April 8, 5-8 p.m. Rabbi Caryn Aviv and Amanda Schwartz led Seder will feature High Holiday songs and Seder classics. Information: 303-320-6185.
Temple Emanuel
Passover day one service is April 6 followed by Young Family Pesach April 12. Temple’s Passover Seder is a buffet style dinner catered by Cohen’s Cuisine in the Social Hall April 5, 6 p.m. Seder will be led by Rabbi Joseph Black, Cantor Elizabeth Sacks, and Rabbi Emily Hyatt. Information: 303-388-4013.
Easter Egg Hunts
Glendale Sports Center
Egg Hunt is April 1 at Glendale’s Infinity Park Turf Field, 10 a.m. Hunts are for kids in three age groups: ages zero-three; four to six; and seven to age 12. Parking is available on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Historic Park
Hunts April 8 are at 9 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., beginning with Puppet Shows at 9:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Morning Little Kid Egg Hunt is at 10 a.m. followed by Big Kid Hunt at 10:30 a.m., shadowed by a Magician at 11 a.m. Doors close at noon. Afternoon hunt doors open at 1 p.m., Little Kid hunt is at 2:15 p.m., Big Kid Hunt 2:45 p.m., with Magician at 3:15 p.m. Afternoon hunt closes at 4:30 p.m. Victorian Egg Rolling Contest, Musical Egg Chairs & Crafts all day. Information: 720-865-0800.
Stapleton Egg Scramble
The Stapleton Master Community Assn. annual scramble is April 1, 10 a.m. The first scramble is for children six and older (Parents not allowed); followed at 10:15 a.m. by ages zero to five, parents allowed. Information: 303-388-0724.
Easter Brunch
Bistro Vendome
Relocated from Larimer Square to 2267 Kearney St. in Park Hill, restaurant is expected to again feature Easter brunch. Anticipate omelets, Crepe Vendome, other popular selections, and their Chocolate Croissants. Information: 303-825-3232.
Edge Restaurant
Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown April 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring a raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s
Appreciate breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, many more choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant
Experience brunch in one of the most desirable indoor-outdoor Easter settings at the ART Hotel on Broadway, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones
For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful, choices usually include cinnamon rolls, roasted lamb shank, and more. Information: 720-772-5022.
Washington Park Grille
Enjoy a laidback ambiance at this Old S. Gaylord St. eatery with low-key dining room, lounge, and patio. Warm atmosphere with yummy choices such as waffles, omelets, a crab benedict, and more. Information: 303-777-0707.
Easter Dinner
Culinary Dropout
Eatery on E. 9th Ave. is offering two additional items on Easter weekend plus the regular menu. Standard items include Rainbow Trout, Squash Ravioli, and Fried Chicken. Information: 720-799-0190.
Humboldt Kitchen
Serving a special Easter Dinner featuring Herb Roasted Prime Rib from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. A holiday brunch is offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The regular menu also available. Information: 303-813-1700.
Le Bilboquet
Restaurant on corner of 3rd Ave. & St. Paul in Cherry Creek offers dinner on Easter, plus a buffet. Last year’s choices were grilled chicken, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Mac & Cheese. Information: 303-835-9999.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Serving noon to 8 p.m., restaurant is featuring Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava or galaktoboureko for desserts. Information: 303-320-1104.