By Gene Kosowan
For some Edmontonians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect on faith, while for others, it’s a chance to get together with family. In many cases, it’s both. Regardless of the reason, you’ll find no shortage of activities in Edmonton to celebrate the season. [Photo credit: Pro Coro Canada]
Those who take the Easter weekend to heart will find no shortage of services to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. One such event is scheduled April 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Robertson-Wesley United, one of the city’s most established churches, where Tammy-Jo Mortensen will lead the congregation in music on a 2,750-pipe organ.
This inner-city tradition has been taking place for decades – and given the continued economic downturn, this year's outdoor Way of the Cross will note the link between faith and pressing modern-day issues. The 1.5-kilometre trek through the city core starts April 14 at 10 a.m. under the theme, “The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one.” The Way of the Cross starts at Immigration Hall, roughly a block south of Hope Mission.
One of the country’s most adventurous and highly-lauded choral groups teams up with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Winspear. Pro Coro will present their take on Passio by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, a pioneer in 20th-century music who specialized in the genre of minimalism. It’s deep, meditative and stirring as it chronicles the Passion according to St. John.
Aside from the produce, meat and fashion, the Easter version of this farmers’ market offers $5 in tokens to the first 150 kids 12 and under to spend at any of the vendors onsite. Starting at City Hall at noon on April 15, kids can enjoy free lollipops courtesy of Choclination as well as free balloon creations, face painting and a cameo by the Market Bear.
Very few pop culture creations have toed the line between secularism and spirituality as deftly as Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical and motion picture penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Nearly half a century later, the work – which is set to run April 11 to June 11 at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre – still resounds with its compelling message of love and sacrifice, with classic songs like I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Superstar.
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More things to do this spring in Edmonton:
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Fort Edmonton Park trades fur-trading for a scavenger hunt at this April 15 event scheduled to begin at noon. Besides Easter egg hunting, activities such as cooking, decorating and baking are also on tap. If the kids still have enough energy, there’s still a photo-op with the Easter bunny and a puppet show treating them to the story of the Ugly Duckling.
Gospel weighs heavily on the influences of Eli & the Straw Man, currently on tour across the country in support of its latest recording Light the World. The Ontario group is set to make an appearance at the Empress Ale House April 15 at 3 p.m.
Though it might sound spiritual, The Needle's Soul Sunday Brunch is a secular event – but considering the scheduled main draw onstage, the title is fitting. Cold Lake native Maddie Storveld, 21, brings a philosophical bent to her songwriting and passion to her live show, scheduled April 16 at 11 a.m. at one of downtown's liveliest venues.
One of the most elegant Sunday brunches in the city continues to serve it up in style with an Easter theme. On April 16, the Empire Ballroom plans a feast for the ages with a combination of Canadian and classic cuisine with specialty crepes, omelettes, pastries and entrees galore. Adding to the splendor is the chance to sit in an ornate century-old historic location that’s served everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to The Rolling Stones.
Easter Monday caps the festivities in the city with a bunny-themed extravaganza at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The event is a chance to see what animals do when they get access to Easter eggs – which ones will eat them, play with them or just smash them? While family members can lay friendly bets on the outcomes, the kids can take advantage of airbrushed tattoos, crafts and even a few science experiments.
From traditional Easter celebrations to events designed for the whole family, the Easter weekend is a perfect chance to check out more of what the city has to offer. However you celebrate, Edmonton has no shortage of Easter fun scheduled this holiday weekend.
