Maymont’s annual Easter event is a favorite tradition for hundreds of Richmond families, and it is Maymont’s largest on-site fundraiser. Guests of every age, ethnicity and income come together to celebrate the holiday, enjoy the beautiful signs of spring and participate in special activities.
No matter how popular the event becomes, however, the staff at Maymont strive each year to make it even better for all who attend. So, what can guests expect in 2013?
EGG HUNTS, OF COURSE
Egg hunts are a quintessential part of Maymont’s Easter event, but the type of hunt has transformed over the years.
1999: Hay Bale Mazes with 1,000 Eggs
2004: Giant Burlap Maze with 2,000 Eggs
2010: Challenging Hunt with 100 Eggs hidden on Maymont’s 100 Acres
2013: One Giant Hill, 21,000 Prize-Filled Eggs, Tons of Fun
“Most guests seem to enjoy the current format with thousands of eggs scattered across one of Maymont’s giant hills,” said Tawheed Haroon, Maymont Special Events Coordinator. “There’s no ‘first-in-line.’ The entrance opens to everyone at once, but there are different zones for different age groups. Each egg contains a prize, and some contain vouchers to redeem ‘Eggstra’ special prizes including attraction tickets, theater tickets and easter-themed merchandise.”
WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
10am Start Time: The event starts earlier than ever this year, at 10am. Guests have always arrived early anyway, and the earlier opening will allow the youngest attendees to enjoy plenty of fun activities before lunch and nap time. Maymont Mansion will also open at 10am for tours. (The Mansion normally opens at 12pm.)
Ticket Price & Locations: This year, tickets cost $2 each, up from $1 last year. But several activities that required two tickets last year will only require one ticket this year, so the cost remains the same. Ticket proceeds go directly to support Maymont, helping to maintain and enhance this Richmond treasure. In addition to the ticket tent in the event area, tickets will also be sold at the Visitor Desk in the Nature & Visitor Center this year.
Egg Hunt: The Diggity Dudes will play their hip kids’ songs on the Egg Hunt stage to entertain guests while they wait for each hunt to begin, and Lite98 radio personalities, Bill Bevins, Shelly Perkins and Cat Simons, will serve as “Egg Marshalls” to excite, inform and entertain the crowd. There will also be four time slots this year, up from three last year, to accommodate as many children as possible for this popular activity.
Family Convenience Station: Family Easter is all about families, so it should be easy for families to come and enjoy. This new tent will provide a private location for diaper changing and breastfeeding.
Riverside Outfitters Scratch Post: Riverside Outfitters have offered tree climbing activities for older children and adults for a few years now, but this year, they’re offering the Scratch Post – like a cat climbing post, but for humans – for the first time.
WHAT’S NEW?
Civil War 150 HistoryMobile: This interactive museum on wheels will travel to Maymont to entertain and educate Dominion Family Easter guests. The exhibit features stories of the Civil War in Virginia from the perspective of those who experienced it.
McGruff, the Crime Dog: McGruff will join the Richmond Police and Richmond Ambulance to greet guests in the Community area of the event (unless he gets called to duty!).
Local Food Vendors: Chef Patrick Harris, owner of the beloved Boka Tako Truck, will debut his new culinary delights with his Grate Pizza Truck at the event, and Carytown Burgers & Fries also joins the lineup.
GREAT TRADITIONS
Just like the egg hunts, it wouldn’t be Easter at Maymont without these time-honored favorites.
Storytelling Under the Bunny Tree with Pam Bomboy: Each year, guests look for their favorite plush bunnies and new additions as they listen to holiday tales by one of the area’s most engaging storytellers.
Bonnet Making and Parades: When Maymont was the Dooleys’ grand estate from 1893 to 1925, bonnets were a customary part of a lady’s Easter attire, and parades allowed participants to show off their new spring finery. So it’s only natural that this frilly, fun legacy continues for new generations of young ladies.
MUCH MORE!
Guests will also enjoy games, crafts and inflatables, and there will be plenty of free entertainment including activities with Radio Disney, performances by the cast of SPARC’s upcoming production, magic shows by Jonathan Austin, and puppet shows by the Mountain Marionettes.
TIPS FOR A FUN DAY
• Bring sunscreen and your camera!
• Bring cash for concessions.
• Be prepared for lines: make the most of the time with your children by engaging them in activities like playing I Spy, blowing bubbles, counting trees, or singing Easter songs.
• Park at the Children’s Farm or Nature Center and ride the free Tram, courtesy of Dominion Resources.
• Too hot or cold? Take a tour of the climate-controlled Maymont Mansion. The kids will love the dog by the fireplace and the swan bed.
• Please leave pets at home. Due to safety and wildlife regulations, pets are not permitted at Maymont.
• Smile!
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS A GIFT
The Dooleys gave us an extraordinary gift when they left Maymont to the people of Richmond. Their legacy of generosity continues today through donations from guests and donors and participation in fundraising events like Dominion Family Easter. These gifts, no matter how big or small, help to make Maymont a special place for everyone. Thank you! And special thanks to Dominion Resources for their sponsorship of the event.
Media Contact:
Carla Murray, Assistant Director of Marketing & Public Relations
804-358-7166, ext. 315
cmurray@maymont.org Release Date:
March 13, 2013
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