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What's hopping this weekend

Residents of Cloverdale looking for Easter-themed family fun won't have to go far this weekend, starting with the Surrey Museum's Fair.
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On the hunt for hidden Easter eggs in Sullivan.

Animals galore at Surrey Museum's Easter Fair

With rabbit agility demonstrations, a dancing dog, a menagerie of rescue critters, and an Easter egg scavenger hunt, the Surrey Museum’s Easter Fair is sure to be a highlight for the animal-lover in your family.

Billed as a chance to meet the “real” Easter bunny (chocolate bunnies only, for Easter, please) and friends, the Saturday, April 19 event will once again see local rescue animal groups team up with the museum.

The whole family can learn more about local wildlife and rescue animals – and find out about responsible animal care and adoption.

As tempting as bringing home a bunny as an Easter surprise sounds, they require just as much care as other pets, meaning they’re not necessarily a good fit for every family – and certainly not an impulse buy.

The event began in 2007 as a way of educating the public on responsible animal care and adoption, and grew until it encompassed not just rabbits but many other animals.

This year, animal rescue groups include AireCanada Airedale Rescue, T & T Shar-pei Rescue, B.C. Exotic Bird Society, the Surrey BC SPCA Education Centre, Small Animal Rescue Society, the Canadian Disaster Animal Response team and more, including the B.C. Siberian Husky Club and Urban Safari Rescue Society.

The event’s special guests are the Vancouver Rabbit Agility Club, showing off their athletic bunnies at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the museum’s plaza (weather permitting). Alison and George the Dancing Dog perform at an performances at 1:30 p.m., also in the plaza.

The Surrey Museum is located at 17710 56A Avenue. For more, visit 604-592-6956 or visit surrey.ca/heritage.

Eggsellent fun

Close to Cloverdale is the Eggsellent Treasure Hunt at Nicomekl Elementary School grounds, 53 Avenue at 200 Street in Langley.

Children aged 1 to 10 are welcome to come out on a scavenger hunt where all the registered entrants receive an equal amount of candy. This is great for little ones, along with children with special needs. Saturday, April 19 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. This charitable event for kids is free, but pre-registration required. It's sponsored by Home Church Langley. Call 604-514-0697.

Eco-Easter

Search for Easter eggs in the forest at the City of Surrey's Eco-Easter Egg Hunt at the Surrey Nature Centre.

Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, and take part in egg-themed crafts, along with other fun activities. There's food and family entertainment, too, plus children's egg hunts throughout the day. Every child receives a prize. No wonder organizers recommend registering now to avoid the line-up. Wristbands are also available at the Surrey Nature Centre, on the day of the event (April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Call 604-502-6065 for more information.

Sip and support bunnies

Sunday, there’s an Easter outing the whole family can enjoy at Township 7 Vineyards and Winery in South Langley, hosting Save the Bunnies, a charity egg hunt.

Proceeds from the April 20 event will benefit the Small Animal Rescue Society, which will be on site with real rabbits. The popular “sip and support” event draws more than 800 families each year to enjoy an afternoon of Easter goodies, live music, and, well, fluffy bunnies.

Families are invited to come for the day, enjoy live music and more. “We encourage people to bring a picnic basket and enjoy the afternoon, while supporting a good cause,” said Mike Raffan, general manager of Township 7 Vineyards and Winery.

The egg hunt is $3. Pre-registration and RSVP recommended. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 21152 16 Avenue, Langley.

This year, Township 7 has extended the sip and support campaign to B.C. Liquor Stores, where, during the month of April, $1 from every bottle sold of the winery’s Merlot and Chardonnay will be donated to the Small Animal Rescue Society. The charity has placed more than 1,800 animals in new homes since 2004.

The society encourages people to choose a chocolate bunny over the real thing at Easter, said president Lisa Hutcheon, who described the event as a perfect venue for the volunteers to get their message out.

The society works to provide a safe haven for small animals while promoting responsible pet guardianship through education, advocacy and spay/neuter initiatives.

For more, visit www.smallanimalrescue.org.

– Cloverdale Reporter