Enjoy Easter events this weekend

It's springtime! The daffodils are everywhere, April showers appear to be in full swing and Easter is just days away.

Each temperate afternoon brings more people out of their winter doldrums, and with the wealth of Easter-related activities coming up this weekend, we in Southeast Missouri will have even more reason to get out and celebrate.

Below are just some of the fun activities planned in the area as we honor the new life and new beginnings heralded by Easter Sunday:

* Today: The Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance's annual Way of the Cross walk will take place in downtown Cape Girardeau beginning at noon at the Common Pleas Couthouse Gazebo.

* Today: Grace United Methodist Church in Cape will hold a Good Friday "Shadow of the Cross" service at 7 p.m.

* Saturday: Join the fun at the Osage Centre starting at 9 a.m. The event includes photos with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt. Be sure to bring a basket and camera. This event will be held rain or shine.

* Saturday: At 9 a.m., motorcyle enthusiasts will gather at Cape County Park North for the 4th Blessing of the Bikes. The Rev. Dave Thompson will preside.

* Saturday: From noon to 4 p.m., hunt for Easter eggs at Lazy L Safari Park.

* Saturday and Sunday: A Helicopter Egg Drop will be held after each service at ConnectionPoint Church in Jackson. Saturday times are 4 and 6 p.m., and Sunday the drops will happen at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m.

* Sunday: For the 79th year, an Easter Sunrise Service will be held at the Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass, Illinois.

Much more is planned, but space is limited. Check out semoevents.com for the complete list of events.

We wish you a blessed Good Friday and a happy Easter.