6th Annual Easter Festival & Treasure Hunt April 7, 2012

There will be more than a basket full of free activities and entertainment during the 6th Annual Easter Festival and Treasure Hunt on Saturday, April 7 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Treasure hunting begins at 10 a.m. in which children may visit several Market Place vendors and food concessions to pick up free candy and small toys. Six lucky hunters who find a gold ticket in one of their plastic eggs will win a special prize. In addition, the first 500 kids in line for the treasure hunt will receive a free gift compliments of the Orange County Market Place.

Tait Hill of Huntington Beach, a marionette puppeteer for 20 years, will bring his Pullin’ Strings Puppet Productions’ Uncle Gus’ Puppet Carnival for three free shows. Hill, who also builds his stringed characters, will have performances at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2:00 p.m. on the main stage.

Of course it would not be Easter without the infamous giant rabbit who will be hopping by from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. handing out treats and posing for photos. Bring your camera! A variety of themed photo stations will also be available.

Also free is face painting from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Easter Crafting with the Ukulady from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Stilt walking Easter butterflies will be greeting attendees and posing for photos from 10 a.m. to noon.

Children are encouraged to bring their Easter baskets for the treasure hunt, however free hunt bags will also be on hand if needed, along with a map to help guide the golden ticket seeking sleuths through the Market Place.

The Easter Festival is held in conjunction with the regular swap meet activities which operate from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Market Place is closed Easter Sunday, April 8.

Admission to the Orange County Market Place is free for kids 12 and under, and $2 for ages 13 years and above. Free parking is available as well as preferred parking for $5. More information may be obtained at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6660.

Official Website: http://www.ocmarketplace.com