Staff Report
Valley residents and visitors have a choice of many worship services and special events for Easter Sunday (April 1 this year) and the holiday season.
Events
Easter Eggstravaganza: Parents and children are invited to celebrate Easter and the coming of spring with the 28th annual Easter Eggstravaganza and Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, at River View Park in Buellton.
New this year will be several food trucks serving breakfast items in the parking lot, according to event organizers. Confirmed vendors are Crave Donuts and Coffee a la Cart, with several others pending.
The free community event is organized by Buellton Recreation and Solvang Parks and Recreation. Kids up to 12 years old can search for their special finds in the valley’s biggest egg hunt, starting at 10 a.m. sharp.
After the hunt there will be activities, games, Easter crafts and a special opportunity to take pictures with Peter Cottontail.
Also returning this year is the fourth annual Adult Egg Hunt, directly following the kids’ hunt. Organizers are looking for sponsors for this event who can contribute prizes, products, monetary donations or other ideas.
Kids will be separated by age in four designated areas for egg hunting (0-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 years old). More than 12,000 eggs and special-prize eggs will be hidden.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, call Solvang at 688-7529 or Buellton at 688-1086.
St. Mark’s Egg Hunt: The popular Easter egg hunt at St. Mark’s in-the-Valley church will be held at 9:15 a.m. Easter Sunday in the church courtyard and gardens for toddlers and children through elementary school. Kids are asked to bring their own baskets.
Church Services
Bethania Lutheran Church: The great 16th century Reformation leader Martin Luther, after whom Lutherans are named, came to realize after a thorough study of the Bible that people are “saved by God’s grace through faith.” Before the Reformation, the church taught that God’s full acceptance and love was dependent upon “works,” or good deeds. The congregation meets on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang. Log onto bethanialutheran.net for more information.
Community Church of the Santa Ynez Valley: The Community Church is an active congregation committed to glorifying the Lord by teaching His Word, proclaiming His gospel, and reflecting His love in practical Christian living. They meet at 9 and 10 a.m. at the Ballard Country Church (Loper Chapel) at 2465 Baseline Avenue in Ballard. Log onto www.communitychurchsyv.org for more information.
Crossroads Church: Crossroads Church in Buellton is all about Jesus, and their heart as a church is to bring glory to Jesus and good to the valley. They believe the great commission is not optional. They preach and teach the Bible in order to make disciples who are on mission. Their Sunday service is at 10 a.m. with a Spanish service at 1 p.m. For more information, log onto https://syvcrossroads.church.
Mission Santa Ines: The historic Mission Santa Ines is a Catholic church whose Mass conveys the depth of Catholic theology, especially in the Eucharist. They hold daily Mass at 8 a.m. and on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (in Spanish) and 5 p.m. For more information, log onto www.missionsantaines.org.
The Ranch Church: The Ranch Church provides a loving, non-judgmental, real-life casual environment that will set the tone for you to be more focused on God, and less concerned about the atmosphere around you. They gather every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. at Los Olivos Elementary School, 2540 Alamo Pintado Road. For more information, log onto www.ranchchurch.com.
Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church: The Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church strives to be a church that practices passionate worship, rich discipleship, sacrificial service, authentic fellowship and respectful evangelism. They meet at 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays at 1825 Alamo Pintado Road in Ballard. Log onto www.syvpc.org for more information.
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church: At Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church the congregation accepts and preaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the Reformation of the Christian church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the Reformers can be summarized in three phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone. Their Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. at 3550 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. For more information, log onto www.sotvsy.org.
St. Marks-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church: The approach to worship at St. Mark’s fits the relaxed attitude of the Santa Ynez Valley. Services offered include Palm Sunday at 8, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 25; Maundy Thursday, with a simple supper served in Stacy Hall at 6 p.m. and liturgy at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 29; Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30; Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 31; and Easter Festival Eucharist at 8 and 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 1. The church is at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos. Log onto www.smitv.org for more information.
Valley Christian Fellowship: Valley Christian Fellowship is a part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, an association of autonomous churches united around some core theological convictions. They worship at 891 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, at the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy gymnasium. Call 688-5171 or email office@vcfconnect.org for more information.
Restaurant special menus
Alisal River Grill: While overlooking the Alisal River Course and Santa Ynez River, enjoy brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make reservations at 688-7784 or log onto www.rivergrill.com.
Mad & Vin at The Landsby: Diners can enjoy the regular menu or an Easter special entree. To make a reservation log onto www.thelandsby.com.
Olsen’s Bakery: Olsen’s Bakery has been Danish-owned and operated for four generations after opening in Denmark in 1890. Owner Bent Olsen continues the tradition with Danish specialties year-round and Easter delicacies that include hot cross buns. Olsen’s has been named one of the best bakeries in the west by Sunset Magazine. Log onto www.olsensdanishvillagebakery.com for more information.
Root 246: Root 246 at Hotel Corque always does a lavish brunch with eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, charcuterie and more. Make your reservations by calling 686-8681 or log onto www.root-246.com.
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott: Gather with friends and family at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton to celebrate Easter weekend. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., treat yourself to a smorgasbord of eggs, meats, made-to-order waffles and other brunch fare. For details and reservations log onto www.syvmarriott.com
