Families enjoy spring activities across Ottawa ahead of Easter weekend

Easter is right around the corner and many in the capital are already getting into the spirit at events across the city. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

With Easter weekend a week away, many families took advantage of all the events the nation’s capital had to offer.

At Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm near Metcalfe, Saturday marked the opening day of the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Dozens of families booked their time slots months in advance to take part in the 30-year-old tradition. Earl Stanley, the farm’s owner, says Easter is one of his favourite times of the year.

“To watch the families enjoying the farm at this time of year, it’s heartwarming,” Stanley said. “It’s really something we enjoy doing, it fills my heart with joy to watch all of these people enjoying what I get to enjoy every day.”

Participants took a tractor to the back of the farm where they were greeted by two of the Easter Bunny’s assistants who lost their eggs and needed the kids to help them.

Jody and Christopher Sullivan brought their children Anna and Graeme and say they are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy some family time.

“I love that they put the effort into making family events, and it’s nice that it’s a local place to get the kids outside,” said Christopher Sullivan.

More attractions at Stanley’s included the 150-year-old Sugar Shack, where members could enjoy a pancake breakfast, along with seeing barn animals and taking tractor rides.

Back in the city, Easter activities took place at the Ukrainian Banquet and Convention Hall, where it hosted the Easter Bazaar.

The market gives Ukrainians in the city the chance to sell different products and interact with each other.

Parish President Viktor Stetskevych says the market has been operating for over 40 years and has seen its popularity grow.

“It’s popular not only among Ukrainian Canadians, among Ukrainians, but among all the people,” Stetskevych said.

“We can see everyone here, we can hear different languages, we can see different people and we are so happy that we are part of the community.”