Easter is approaching.

And that means egg hunts are on the horizon

They range from the modern tradition to throwbacks to the Victorian Era.

They start this Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m. at Woodward Communibity Park.

The event includes food trucks, games, music, and, of course, a massive egg hunt for children up to 10 years of age.

There is free entry to the event sponsored by the VFW Post 6311/Auxiliary 6311 and the City of Manteca.

Bring baskets to collect eggs.

A Victorian Easter

A 60 mile drive up to Columbia State Historic Park north of Sonora will take you back more than 140 years in time.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is staging their annual Victorian Easter Celebration on Sunday, April 20, in the heart of Columbia State Historic Park. 

This family-friendly event promises a full day of fun, tradition, and springtime cheer — with free parking and free admission,

Highlights of the day include a festive Victorian parade, age-specific Easter egg hunts, a visit from Thaddeus E. Hare (Columbia’s own Easter Bunny), and the popular Easter Basket Raffle. 

The Victorian Easter Parade is at 1 p.m.

Dress in your finest Victorian attire and join the lively march down Main Street.

 Awards will be given for categories such as the fanciest hat, best-dressed couple, best-dressed lasses and lads, and more. Registration is free and begins at 11a.m. in front of the Fallon Hotel.

Columbia’s traditional egg hunts will return with three age categories: Small Fry Egg Search (ages 3–5) at noon, Junior Egg Poachers (ages 6–8) at 2 p.m., and Great Egg Scramblers (ages 9–12) at2:30 p.m.

A special prize will be awarded to the child who finds the golden egg in each group.

 Due to ongoing egg shortages and increased costs, this year’s hunt will feature pre-filled plastic eggs.

The day concludes with the Easter Basket Raffle at 3 p.m., featuring beautifully curated baskets donated by local businesses. 

Tickets are $1 each or 25 for $20. Visit the Columbia Chamber of Commerce booth in the center of town to view the baskets and enter to win your favorites.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as parking fills up quickly. If parking along roadside shoulders, please avoid blocking access roads, driveways, or emergency lanes.

. For more details and a complete schedule of events, visit: www.VisitColumbiaCalifornia.com

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com