Happy Easter Around the U.S.A.

When I was young, my mother made a point of exposing me to all kinds of older movies, books, and music so that as an adult I would have an appreciation for all of the different genres and styles. As a result, every year when Spring arrives, I get a certain song stuck in my head and can't get it out until I see the movie it came from or Easter passes (which means I would have had the song in my head for a month at least. The Song (as well as the movie it is from) is called "The Easter Parade" and it is performed by Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Both the song and the movie are in keeping with the style of the time - lighthearted and a little corny - but that is what make them lovely and worth revisiting each Spring.

With that song in my head I began researching Easter traditions around the U.S.. A couple of months ago I took you on a state-by-state adventure of the most interesting Fall traditions and I thought a similar Spring adventure would be appropriate - We are, after all, The Adventure Letters and state adventures is what we do! So put on your seatbelt, get out your license plate bingo cards, and prepare  for a fun Easter trip around the country !

• The New York City Easter Bonnet Parade - This festive tradition Started back in the 1870's. It takes place on Fifth Avenue, from 49th to 57th Streets, in Manhattan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Anyone may participate, and dressing up is highly encouraged. One of the most popular accessories are bonnets of all styles and shapes.
• The White House Egg-Roll Easter Egg Hunt - The White House Easter Egg Roll officially dates back to 1878 and the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, but first-hand accounts suggest that informal festivities began with egg-rolling parties under President Abraham Lincoln. In 1878, a group of bold children walked up to the White House gate, hoping to be allowed to play egg-rolling games there. President Hayes told his guards to let the children enter, and soon Easter Monday on the White House grounds became an annual tradition. The planning of the event is the duty of the first lady. White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free and will be made available via an online lottery. To enter, visit Recreation.Gov and create an account.
• Lincoln Park Zoo Egg-stravaganza - At the Lincoln Park zoo in Chicago Il. they have set up some serious Easter Fun! There are egg hunts, music, crafts and activities, rides on the train and carousel, the Easter Bunny shows up, and there are animal interactions!
• The Easter Feast - HAM - In looking up regional traditions I discovered at the Easter feast is pretty consistent all around the U.S.. From the North East corner to the South Western states you will find ham as the centerpiece for most Easer dinners. However,  as a diverse nation, the United States has seen various regional and cultural influences shape its Easter ham traditions. For example, in the Southern states, hams are often glazed with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and bourbon, reflecting the region’s love for bold flavors. Meanwhile, in the Midwest, hams are frequently cooked with a pineapple glaze, adding a tropical twist to the dish. These regional variations showcase the unique ways in which Americans have embraced and adapted the tradition of serving ham on Easter.

These are only a few of the fun options available this spring for celebrating Easter. I am sure that your local communities and churches  all have something exciting planned for this wonderful holiday. I pray that you and your family enjoy your own Easter Adventure this Spring !

https://tynerpondfarm.com/blog/the-american-easter-feast-how-ham-became-the-celebrated-centerpiece/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/white-house-easter-egg-roll/

https://www.nyctourism.com/events/easter-parade-and-easter-bonnet-festival1/

https://www.lpzoo.org/event/spring-egg-stravaganza/