As Christians around the world prepare to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, local residents are also making plans to celebrate the event.
In light of the state's pandemic restrictions, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park will host a virtual Easter Sunrise services at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 4 on the park's Facebook page a press release said.
The service will include a short sermon titled “It's Never Too Late,” by Grant Adkisson. Known as a “Cowboy Preacher” for his involvement with rodeos, cowboys and Fellowship of Christian Cowboys since 1973, he has delivered the Royal Gorge service for several years and encourages everyone to listen from their back yard or kitchen table this year.
Because it is not possible to pass a hat for Loaves & Fishes this year, participants may click on the link on the Facebook page to continue their support for Loaves & Fishes, which has been a primary resource to residents in Cañon City, Penrose and Florence and surrounding areas since 1984, the release said.
Located 10 miles outside of Cañon City, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has been a highly visited tourist attraction since 1929.
In the meantime, the Florence Elks Lodge 611 will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3 at Lions Park in Florence. The hunt is being sponsored by numerous businesses and personal contributions.
“We're going to break (the hunts) down into age groups,” said Florence Elks member Katie Fitzpatrick McKinney.
The age categories will consist of 0-3 years old at 10 a.m., 4-6 at 10:20 a.m., 7-9 at 10:40 a.m., 10-12 at 11 a.m. and 13+ at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, April 3 at Lions Park in Florence.
Covid-19 restrictions will be followed. Masks and social distancing are recommended.