Patch Weekend Picks: Easter-themed Fun and a Gala Event

Well, we were spoiled through much of March, but even though this weekend's weather forecast calls for more typical March weather – rainy and 50 degrees – there are still a number of great reasons to head out of the house this weekend.

POSTPONED TO APRIL 7, 2012 - 1.

Where/When: Saturday, March 31, 2012, starting at 10 a.m. near the

Why Go: Because you only have so many years to watch your kids scramble for eggs. Families should bring their own basket or bag to collect treats that the city has hidden in Hubbard Park. Little ones three years and under start looking at 10 a.m., those 4-5 years at 10:30 a.m., 6-7 years at 11 a.m., and 8-10 years at 11:30 a.m. Adults are only allowed to help children age 3 and younger, lest they be branded

Cost: Free

2.

Where/When: Saturday, March 31, 2012, 2 pm, , 105 Miller St, Meriden

Why Go: The Edible Book Festival gives a new meaning to the term "voracious reader." Patrons and staff are invited to bring a food-based creation that represents a book – be it characters, the title, theme or the book cover itself, according to the library. Attendees will then sample these projects. We call "In Defense of Food."

Cost: Free. Sign up via (203) 630-6349, comsvc@hotmail.com or www.meridenlibrary.org

3.

Where/When: Saturday, March 31, 2012, the Mark Twain House, 222 Farmington Ave, Hartford

Why Go: Meriden's innovative urban youth cooking non-profit run by dynamic local chef Kashia Cave is hosting its first gala event. It's a fabulous way to help fund a great program while drinking cocktails and noshing hors d'oeuvres with celebrity chefs from famed Connecticut restaurants like the Union League Cafe, and the Food Network. There will be silent and live auctions, the chance to win private chef dinners and the keynote speaker will be Yale nutritionist Dr. David Katz, who originated the Nuval system you see in grocery stores. We'll be there too!

Cost: $75 in advance, $100 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.mycitykitchen.evenbrite.com

4.

Where/When: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., , 220 Coe Ave, Meriden

Why Go: The men of Meriden's Lions Club have been putting on a joyous Palm Sunday breakfast each year for 40 years – that's pretty amazing. "We have a group of 90 men that love to cook," 36-year Lions member Vincent Mule said in an interview last week. And they make the works: french toast, Czapiga kielbasa, eggs cooked to order, omelets, pancakes, corn beef hash. Yum. 

Cost: $8, Children under 5 Free, Children over 5 are $4. Tickets are available from Meriden Lions Club members or call Vin Mule 203-237-6856,or Lion Buck Herbst 203-237-7894 or Lion Bill Panciera  860-349-1565.