Now that spring is right around the corner, many family favorite traditions are returning alongside the greenery and blooming trees throughout the county. One such tradition is Easter egg hunts, and one of these will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. at Lampeter United Methodist Church (LUMC), 1101 Village Road, Lancaster. The rain-or-shine event will be free to attend and open to children 12 years old and younger, and participants should bring baskets

During the event, the children will be divided into four age groups. Each group will have its own egg hunt, snacks, refreshments and crafting activities and will begin the activities with a reading of a children's Easter story. In the egg hunt activity, certain Easter eggs will have gold coins hidden in them; children who find one of these special eggs will be able to select a prize at the end of the hunt. Prizes will include plush animals, kids' science kits, coloring books, jump ropes, footballs, baseball bats, frisbees and baby dolls.

LUMC has been hosting the annual egg hunt for decades. Many of the parents who take their children today attended the event when they were children. Last year, however, LUMC began to overhaul its activities for the event as a larger initiative to revamp the church's programming. After welcoming several new members to the planning committee, the church shifted more of its focus to the children's and youth ministry. "We've been focused on bringing younger families in," said Sarah Short, a coordinator for the egg hunt and an LUMC member. "Last year was the biggest egg hunt that we've had to date. Over 300 people attended."

In addition to expanding existing events, LUMC is also introducing new fundraisers and activities for the community. On Saturday, April 22, at 5 p.m., the church will host a paint night in its all-purpose room. Participants in the activity will each receive a canvas and follow a template to paint a landscape; adults will follow an advanced template to illustrate a waterfall, and children will paint a floral piece. Painters will then be able to bring their masterpieces home with them. There will be a set price for attendance, and light snacks and refreshments will be available.

The funds raised from the paint night will be used for LUMC's vacation Bible school expenses and the costs associated with the annual Harvest Festival. The vacation Bible school program, Camp VBS, will be held in June and will include a curriculum of original content written by the church's youth director. LUMC will have a table at the Easter egg hunt for parents to sign their kids up for the program.

For more information, visit http://www.lampeterumc.com.