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Hippity Hop: Valley Hoppin’ Down Bunny Trail Filling Baskets With Fun
Begin Spring Fling At Sunrise Services, Egg Hunts, Bunny Bolts Then Dine On Scrumptious Spring Lamb
Holidays are always about family in the Cherry Creek Valley but none brings more smiles than Easter. Truly unique worship experiences including the 72nd Annual Red Rocks Sunrise Service plus family egg hunts and bunny bolts fill the day with happiness and joy.
Moreover, family and friends also spend the day enjoying incredible holiday feasts. There are dozens of Easter brunches around town or those lucky enough can enjoy spit-roasted whole lamb served annually at Denver’s Monaco Inn Restaurant.
Here is our Egg’stra special selection of Easter things to do: Easter Services
Red Rocks Sunrise Services
Sunrise Sanctuary: The Colorado Council of Churches hosts its 72nd Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 4:30-7:30 a.m. The unique worship experience annually draws 11,000 attendees.
On Resurrection Sunday April 21, the Colorado Council of Churches will host its 72nd Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 4:30-7:30 a.m. This is a truly unique worship experience that draws people from across the Cherry Creek Valley, all of the Rocky Mountain area and rest of the nation.
In previous years, an estimated 11,000 people attended the service. For many attendees who don’t regularly attend church, this is a special opportunity to hear the gospel. Given the spectacular venue and the service, it’s no wonder that so many people have this event on their “Bucket List.”
Given the extraordinary turnout for this worship service, it is recommended that attendees arrive close to 4:30 a.m. Once the Amphitheatre is at capacity, police handling traffic will not allow additional access. Remember to dress warmly as it can get quite cold before the sun rises.
Easter Grand Encampment
Easter Preparation: Denver’s Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral in Glendale replaced the Pantocrator icon damaged by dome leakage before Orthodox Easter April 28. The icon meaning “Ruler of All” in Greek is the oldest known icon of Christ written in the sixth century and preserved in the monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai desert.
The Knights Templar Association of Colorado has announced that the Western States Easter Grand Encampment has moved from Salt Lake City to Denver.
The Encampment is from April 18-21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown, just minutes away from the Scottish Rite Consistory where Easter service will be held on April 21, 6:30 a.m., Doors will open at 5:30 a.m. Breakfast will be available at the Consistory following the ceremony.
The Colorado Easter Sunrise Service has been celebrated and conducted by the Knights Templar of Colorado for 94 consecutive years. Not only do the Templars participate, but every other Masonic body as well. Registration: wseo-denver.com.
More Easter Services
Augustana Lutheran: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services located on E. Alameda Ave.
Bethany United Methodist: 9 and 10:30 a.m. services located on W. 1st Ave.
Catholic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: 8:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. mass located at Logan and Colfax Ave.
Cherry Creek Spiritual Growth Center: 10 a.m. services located on E. Yale Ave.
Christ Lutheran: 6:30 a.m. sunrise worship; 9:30 and 11 a.m. services located on S. Broadway.
New Covenant Christian: 6 a.m. sunrise worship; 9 and 11 a.m. services located on Ivanhoe St.
Montview Presbyterian: 9 and 11 a.m. services located on Dahlia St.
St. John’s Episcopal: 7:30, 9 and 11:15 a.m. Eucharist rites located on Clarkson St.
St. Paul’s Lutheran: 9 and 11 a.m. services located on Grant St.
Trinity United Methodist: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services located on Broadway.
Easter Eating
Thanksgiving is the undisputed king of Valley food holidays nonetheless at many eateries Easter is just as satisfying. The reason is simple, Easter is the Thanksgiving of spring. At many restaurants you can eat to the point of bursting but without the family pressures of Thanksgiving.
Toasting Easter: Dozens of Valley eateries are offering Easter brunch specials. Ocean Prime with locations in Larimer Square and in Greenwood Village has this lobster toast brunch special.
The hunt is over: Here’s where to break bread with family and friends this Easter weekend over brunch, lunch or dinner:
Dining Delights
Monaco Inn Restaurant
Celebrating Easter is much more than an epic holiday meal at the Monaco Inn Restaurant — it’s a Valley tradition stretching back more than 30 years. Easter without Colorado spring lamb slowly roasted outside on rotisseries at this family run eatery just south of Leetsdale on Monaco at Tennessee is hard to imagine.
Savor the fresh roasted lamb served with roasted oven Greek potatoes, a Greek salad or Avgolemono soup with a glass of wine. Begin your Easter celebration with a flaming Greek cheese Saganaki appetizer, Opa! End the holiday enjoying Galaktoboureko, the traditional Greek dessert made with a custard in a crispy phyllo pastry shell.
Serving Easter Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Make your reservations early. Information: 303-320-1104.
Easter Breakfast
Dave & Busters
This American food and arcade game fun spot on S. Colorado Blvd. is serving breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to a full breakfast buffet you receive a “power card” with unlimited video game play. Coffee, tea, soda and juices are provided. Also included are photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your camera or phone) plus arts & crafts. Information: 303-209-2907.
Other Breakfasts: In connection with sunrise services the Bethany United Methodist Church at 3501 W. 1st Ave. is serving breakfast at 9 and 10:30 a.m. During this year’s Easter Grand Encampment the Scottish Rite Consistory at 1307 Grant St. will serve breakfast following the ceremony.
Best Brunch Bets
Celebrate Easter Sunday by enjoying a special brunch at a local restaurant. There are buffets to share with families plus eateries where you can spend time on the patio soaking up springtime outside with mimosas.
Charcoal Bistro
Charcoal Bistro, the eatery on Old South Gaylord in the Wash Park neighborhood is serving Easter brunch with a buffet of sweets and starters followed by ala carte entrees of your choice.
Edge Restaurant
The Edge Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown is serving a brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas. Brunch item selection will include a raw bar, special carving selections and Easter themed dessert.
Fire Restaurant
Fire, the restaurant in the Art Hotel in the Golden Triangle adjacent to the Art Museum, offers a brunch buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The menu includes a raw bar, herb crusted leg of lamb, whole smoked salmon and Easter desserts. Parking is complimentary and there will be a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny.
Ocean Prime
This seafood and steakhouse with locations in Larimer Square and on Belleview Ave. in Greenwood Village offers a special Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Features include blood orange mimosas, lobster toast, crab & eggs, braised short rib surf & turf and a blackened salmon salad.
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Eggstravaganza
Bunny Hopping: Valley families can expect the Easter Bunny to make appearances at churches, restaurants and egg hunts again this year.
The annual Glendale Sports Center’s annual egg hunt is at the Infinity Park Sports Field located at 4599 E. Tennessee Ave. in Glendale on Saturday April 15, 10 a.m. sharp. The event is divided into three age groups: 0 to 3, 4 to 6 and 7 to 19, all starting at the same time. Bring an Easter basket plus camera or phone to create great memories for you and the kids. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by for a visit. Information: 303-639-4711.
Spring Search: Easter Egg Hunts are an annual rite of spring across the Valley. Two of the biggest are Glendale Sports Center’s egg hunt at Infinity Park and the Faith Mountain Church event in Lakewood.
Children’s Museum Bunny Trail
The annual event on the Marsico Campus is April 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no age limit. The Easter extravaganza is full of art projects, treats and an Easter Bunny visits. Hop your way over with the kids and grandkids for a good time with normal museum admission.
Bunny Bolt 5K-10K
The 6th annual event is Saturday April 15 for the whole family, not just the little ones. Held in City Park on N. York St. it features Denver’s only Golden Egg Hunt for adults. As you move along the course if you find the precious golden eggs you win awesome prizes. There’s also a free yoga class plus prizes ranging from race t-shirt to a goody bag and free photo downloads. Bring the kids for the 1K Rabbit Rush, the massive Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, balloon artists and photos with the Easter Bunny.
Rueth Easter Egg Hunt
This event is at the Fleming Mansion located at 1510 S. Grant St. on April 13, noon to 3 p.m. The hunt has treats, face paintings, games, sack races and giveaways. For ages 1 to 5 the egg hunt begins at 2 p.m. while ages 6 and up begin at 2:15 p.m.
Faith Mountain Egg Hunt
Sponsored by Faith Mountain Church this is Lakewood’s largest egg event with 20,000 candy filled eggs to give away. Located at 12344 W. Alameda Pkwy, the event is April 20, 9 to 11 a.m. In addition to the egg hunt there are carnival games, bounce houses and the Easter Bunny.
Dining Delights: Easter is the Thanksgiving of spring annually celebrated with Colorado spring lamb slowly roasted outside on rotisseries. Antigone Tsikoudakis, right, and Sonny Balafas check lamb being cooked outside at Denver’s Monaco Inn Restaurant.
A Number One Tip For Wellness?
Focus On Your Breathing
by Nicholas Auger
Wellness of the spirit, mind and body of course calls for balanced nutrition and regular exercise. But there’s one more thing you could be doing to improve your health. Here’s a hint: You’re doing it right now. Breathing!
While we can survive without food and water, we cannot live without regular intake of oxygen — it’s the single most important function of the body. We may assume breathing is automatic and something we don’t have to think about. But actually, proper breathing can promote relaxation and self-awareness and improve your overall health. Here are two points to keep in mind to make sure you’re taking your best breaths.
Rule #1: Use Your Nose
Take a few minutes and focus on your breathing. When doing this, note that you should be breathing in and out of your nose. This is important for several reasons.
When we breathe in through the nose, our nose hairs filter incoming particles and pollution. Then, when we exhale, the nose expels debris. This added resistance makes the lungs work harder, increasing oxygen flow. Through the nose passage we also regulate the temperature of the air we breathe as it enters our body. The nose warms the air to prevent drying in the lungs and bronchial tubes.
If you find yourself breathing through your mouth, it could be because your nose is clogged due to allergies, a sinus infection, or stress and anxiety. Talk to your doctor, and then make a consistent, conscious effort to breathe through your nose. Keep in mind that using your mouth regularly for breathing — instead of your nose — can result in periodontal disease, throat and ear infections and halitosis (bad breath.)
The exception to this best practice? During strenuous exercise, you should focus on breathing in quickly and deeply through your nose and then exhaling through your mouth.
Rule #2: Take Complete Breaths
Another thing to note about breathing is that breaths should be slow, deep and complete.
This is important because deep breathing increases cardiovascular capacity and the amount of oxygen that gets sent to our cells. Deep breathing expels toxins from the lungs that have been picked up through the circulatory process. And, as you breathe deeply, the diaphragm moves and massages and stimulates the organs. Moreover, taking complete breaths promotes relaxation, reduces stress and increases mental clarity.
For breaths to be complete, every inhale should fill your lungs and every exhale should empty your lungs. Doing this engages your entire torso. Start with your low torso, breathing in as your belly expands. Continue taking in the breath slowly until your ribs expand and your chest and shoulders lift.
Practice taking 10 complete nose breaths feeling the breath work up through your torso. This is considered essential breath meditation, and it can do wonders in improving wellbeing of the spirit, mind and body.
About Nicholas Auger: Nicholas found fitness through his BFA in sculpture. Now, instead of metal and wood, he focuses on enriching communities through creating programs that sculpt spirit, mind and body. Ten years of teaching yoga, kids Yoga, group exercise, and personal fitness training has led him to the role of Health and Wellness Director at the Downtown Denver YMCA.
Spring Has Sprung By A Hare
Blossom by blossom spring is beginning in the Cherry Creek Valley. This is the month Peter Cottontail romps into town along with Easter and Passover. Ladies show off their spring finery as the streets begin bursting with flowers, luscious and pulsating in gorgeous colors. Spring seems to add new life and beauty to everything around us.
It is the time of year when we can count on Denver’s climate to constantly change, bringing dozens of different kinds of weather within any 24-hour time period.
Here are our refreshing, entertaining Easter choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to throw caution to the wind and put all your eggs in one basket:
3 Ring into spring at Children’s Diabetes Spring Brass Ring Luncheon at the Hilton City Center April 4, 10 a.m. Enjoy a tasty lunch and fashion show by renowned designer Rebecca Minkoff. Information: 303-628-5110.
3 Catch Ballet MasterWorks opening in the Ellie April 5-14 as Carmina Burana gives first performance in 20 years. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Watch men’s basketball semifinals at Broncos Stadium, United Club Level April 6 and score big for National Jewish Health, 3:30 p.m. Information: 303-728-6576.
3 Enjoy Opera Colorado’s “A Night in Monte Carlo” benefit dinner-dance at the Four Seasons Hotel April 12, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-778-1500.
3 Spring back to sports by catching the Major League Rugby home games for your Glendale Raptors this month. Games are April 13 against San Diego and April 26 against New York. Information: glendaleraptors.com.
3 Warm up with Easter Brunch at Fire, the restaurant in Golden Triangle’s Art Hotel. The buffet features a raw bar, herb crusted leg of lamb and whole smoked salmon plus Easter desserts. Information: 303-572-8000.
3 Lauren Casteel gives Lowry Speaker Series monthly lecture in the Eisenhower Chapel April 23, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Attend Central City Opera’s Theatre of Dreams dinner at Stanley Marketplace April 26, 6:30-11 p.m. Information: 303-292-6500.
3 Hop into spring at the family-friendly Glendale Sports Center’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza at the Infinity Park Sports Field April 15, 10 a.m. sharp. The event is divided into three age groups: 0 to 3, 4 to 6 and 7-19, all with the same start time. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos so be sure to bring a camera or phone to create great memories. Also remember to bring an Easter basket. Information: 303-639-4711.
Ah, the sweet smell of spring. It’s such a refreshing time! The warm sunshine feels so good on our skin as it melts away those winter blues. Colorful blooms are popping up everywhere, and it’s the perfect time to start planting the garden. Check out Country Fair’s big selection at the corner of Leetsdale & Quebec. The Valley’s average daily maximum temperature ranges between 56-66 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s the season when we feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush. April sets up her green traffic lights, and everyone in the Cherry Creek Valley thinks, Go!
Like the Energizer bunny I’m into the Easter game of hide & seek. I’ve already found 1,000 Easter eggs. Now I’m trying to explain to security that’s it’s not my fault the Whole Foods store did a bad job hiding eggs. Spring has sprung. Here’s hoping this month’s Easter-Passover season is as beautiful as the flowers in bloom.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
