A Georgetown goat named “Dog” is a finalist for Cadbury’s Easter bunny commercial. But the Nigerian dwarf goat is more than just a family pet.
Austin American-Statesman
Easter weekend is typically when Christian families celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection and then plan time to spend with family. They may enjoy Easter egg hunts, having picnics or go to a parade to see the famed bunny.
But how will the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that more people are getting vaccinated against the virus affect holiday plans this year? Are more people getting together or still choosing to keep gatherings to a single household?
Here is some information to help families make the best decision for themselves.
El Paso parks will be open on Easter weekend
Rick Isaias, a spokesman for the city, said El Pasoans can use parks freely on Easter weekend. However, he wanted to remind visitors to continue wearing their face masks and practicing social distancing and avoid gathering with people outside of their household.
“Visitors who use parks are encouraged to clean up after themselves and their pets,” he added.
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2016, Kids sprint to collect some of the 10,000 Easter eggs during the annual San Elizario Easter Egg Hunt on the town’s Main Street. T (Photo: Mark Lambie/El Paso Times)
The El Paso County Parks and Recreation decided to close Ascarate Park on Easter Sunday to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The golf course will remain open on April 4 for golfers with a reserved tee time.
The park and its amenities including walking trails, kayaking, skate parks and fishing will be available again starting Monday, April. 5.
Watch the Easter 2021 parade
The 43rd Annual TMO Easter Parade will be virtual this year. Former State Rep. Joe Pickett will be the grand marshal. The parade will be televised at 10:30 a.m. Saturday on CBS Channel 4 and again at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Channel 14 KFOX.
Photos with the Easter bunny
Cabela’s, 6450-10 Desert Blvd N., is offering free photos with the Easter Bunny with safety measures. It will be a contactless experience with physical barrier in place, and face coverings will be worn by team members. Guests also should wear face masks.
Advance digital reservations are required and can be made at https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/easter.
The Easter Bunny is in town. Don’t miss your chance for pictures. (Photo: Courtesy)
Families who make a free advanced reservation can receive a free studio-quality 4×6 color photo, with the option to upgrade to a series of photo packages.
Photo hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Cielo Vista Mall also offers a Bunny photo experience during mall hours through Saturday with social distancing. Reservations can be made online.
Easter Egg Hunt
Grace Gardens, 6701 Westside Drive, will have an Egg Hunt beginning at noon Saturday. The Easter Bunny will be there as well. The event by the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include vendors and food trucks.
Where to brunch in El Paso?
Several El Paso restaurants are known for their brunch menus and some are rolling out a special breakfast for the holiday.
Ambar Restaurant, inside the Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, will offer an Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4. Choices will include rib roast, crab cake eggs benedict, halibut and bacon-wrapped pork loin.
Cost is $69.95 per person plus tax and includes one Bloody Mary or a mimosa. Cost is $24.95 plus tax for children 12 and under.
Ambar Restaurant inside the Plaza Hotel will be offering a brunch for Easter Sunday. (Photo: Courtesy)
Face masks are still required at Ambar and the tables are socially distanced.
Kona Grill, at The Fountains at Farah, offers a brunch menu on weekends. Menu items include steak and eggs, Spicy Lobster Avocado Toast, and various cocktails.
More choices: Here’s some of the best breakfast and brunch restaurants in El Paso
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Alyssa at Kona Grill sanitizes patio tables as they prepare to welcome back guests at The Fountains at Farah. (Photo: Mark Lambie, El Paso Times)
Crossing cascarones
U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants to remind the public that cascarones (confetti-filled eggshells) are restricted to quantities of 12 per passenger and the shells may be decorated, etched or painted but they must be clean, dry and free of any egg residue.
“Even with the ongoing travel restrictions we expect large numbers of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to cross the border in the days ahead. It is important to remind them about what is allowed and what is prohibited from bringing into the United States,” said Hector Mancha, CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations in a news release.
Cascarones are limited in crossing in order to prevent further spread of Newcastle Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) through contaminated eggshells.
Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious, fatal viral disease that affects a substantial number of bird species, attacking respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. Mortality is up to 90% of exposed birds. HPAI is also a viral disease that can cause exceptionally high mortality.
Travelers should expect longer than normal crossing times at the area ports as the holiday approaches.
More: Disney on Ice to skate into El Paso County Coliseum May 5-16 with safety precautions
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected]; @EPTMaria on Twitter.
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