Local Churches Host Over-the-Top Easter Celebrations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Easter spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation. But spending isn’t the only thing that’s big. Some Midlands churches are taking the message of Easter, literally, over the top. You might say the days of coloring real eggs and looking for Peter Cottontail to come hopping down the bunny trail isn’t that big of a hit these days. Two Midlands churches we spoke to are taking their Easter celebrations over the top. Both Vive Church and Northstar Christian Center plan to give out more than 25,000 plastic eggs this year, some of them filled with candy and wrapped in Biblical scripture. Candy sales are part of the $16.8 billion consumers are expected to spend this Holiday weekend. That’s up 11% from last year. Helicopter rides, free prizes and a carnival are also in store to celebrate what Christians believe to be the resurrection of Christ. To participate in the events Saturday and Sunday, Vive Church is located at 2630 Clemson Rd., Columbia, 803-233-2877. Northstar Christian Center is located at 711 Longtown Rd., 803-736-9250.