MONTE VISTA— There was no shortage of activities in Monte Vista to celebrate the Easter holiday over the weekend. Religious and community organizations held multiple special events for both children and adults alike.
Events kicked off on Friday night, also known as “Good Friday.” Multiple churches held special services to commemorate their professed belief in the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Within the services special traditions were followed such as veneration of the crucifix or remembering the last supper.
Saturday morning saw the beginnings of more cheerful celebration. The Monte Vista Police Department and Monte Vista Elks Lodge held their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at Chapman Park. Children and their families made their way to the park and ran through the designated area set up by the police department searching for eggs. The Easter bunny also made a special appearance at the park posing for pictures with the children in attendance. In the afternoon the Polished Edge hosted the Paul Pacheco Easter Egg Hunt. Multiple more families attended this Easter egg hunt as well, bringing even more smiles over the weekend.
On Saturday night, the San Juan Catholic Community held one of its largest masses of the year at St. Joseph’s Church, the annual Easter Vigil. The faithful congregated outside as a sacred fire was built and used to light the paschal candle. They then proceeded inside the church to sing hymns, and where more special ceremonies of baptism, confirmation and communion were celebrated.
Sunday morning culminated the entire full weekend. Most churches held an Easter morning service with some even beginning very early at sunrise. The Feed Store Church hosted a large community Easter morning service at Ski Hi Park. Many Monte Vista and visiting families attended this service. Many other churches also held services with some continuing the fun after with more Easter egg hunts and opportunities for fellowship.