Easter Bonnet and Hat Parade Winners on the Labyrinth. Photo: Erika Gates

Grand Bahama Island - Under the theme "Spring in the Garden" a very successful Easter Celebration took place at the Garden of the Groves this past Saturday. Over 500 residents and visitors enjoyed spending the day at the beautifully restored Garden. What a magnificent setting for the many authentic Bahamian arts and crafts exhibits as well as artwork by members of the Grand Bahama Artist Association! The Garden's own Art Gallery attracted patrons with music and an original 'Saxon's' Junkanoo exhibit.
 
While having lunch on the cafe deck overlooking the waterfalls, guests were able to listen to the Bellringers that have become popular during events at the Garden. In the afternoon the Easter Bunny arrived and many children pleaded with their parents for a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny who obliged with a toothy smile and bunny hugs. Proceeds of the framed "Bunny Photos" were donated to the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. Other fundraisers for the Humane Society were the PediCab rides for visitors preferring not to walk, and the ever popular pony rides for children along the Garden's Pony Trail. Linda Buchannan and Annie Roberts from Pinetree Stables donated their time, and Geronimo, an angel of a horse, patiently ignored his mane being pulled by too many youngsters!
 
The much anticipated Easter Egg Hunt at the Labyrinth drew a large crowd of children and adults as well, who all took "the hunt" quite seriously. As a matter of fact, within minutes a total of 435 eggs disappeared into proper Easter baskets and some not so proper shopping bags! The organizers expressed regrets that some children left empty-handed. Mr. and Mrs. Graham Groves who sponsored the Easter Egg Hunt expressed delight about its popularity and had a simple solution for next year. Mrs. Groves stated with a smile: "We'll just have to bring a thousand eggs with us next year!"
 
There was also a "first" Easter Bonnet and Hat Parade for children at the Labyrinth. Mrs. Barbara Chester had great difficulty in selecting a winner as the participating children had demonstrated wonderful creativity in designing their hats. She solved the problem in her usual generous way by giving everybody a prize!
 
Late afternoon the deck became crowded with ladies who tried to get a good seat for the Easter Fashion Show. Stunning spring fashions from Bandolero, Animale, Unexso and White's Etc.were paraded by models that could have come straight from New York or Paris! They were Grand Bahama's very own Ivy Elden, Dalia Feldman, Vicky Howden-Stafford, Annette Edwards and Natalie Edwards!
 
The day ended with a special treat for everybody: Ralph Munnings and the mellow sounds of Panache entertained on the cafe deck during cocktails and dinner. What a wonderful finale for a glorious day!

Children and Adults getting involved in the Easter Egg Hunt at the Labyrinth Photo: Erika Gates

Arts and Crafts vendor Cynthia Mckenzie shows off her wares in the beautiful setting of the Garden of the Groves. Photo: Erika Gates

Successful Egg Hunter. Photo: Erika Gates

Visitors checked out the newly opened gift shop close the the Labyrinth. Photo: Robbin Whachell

Graham and Peggy Groves enjoying the sights and sounds of the Garden of the Groves. Mr. and Mrs. Groves sponsored the Easter Egg Hunt. Photo: Erika Gates