March 25-27, 2016

Sesame Street Live ‘Make a New Friend”‘ — The Sesame Street Live annual Easter week shows are March 25-27 at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Presented by VEE Corporation. Showtimes are 2 and 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10:30, 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15, $25, $32 and $60 (Ticketmaster); all children over age 1 must purchase ticket. Information: 1-800-745-3000 or sesamestreetlive.com.
VIP “Sunny Seat” packages available with pre-show activities and photo ops with two live Sesame Street friends, including Elmo. Meet and Greet activities are one hour before showtime; cameras welcome.
Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies.

Celebrating Easter

Northeaster Parade — Thousands of people are expected to watch the 38th annual Transmountain Optimist parade, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26, along Dyer Street from Hercules to Northpark Mall. Co-sponsored by Mimbela Contractors. Lineup for participants begins at 8 a.m.
Application information: 751-2761, northeasterparade.wix.com/northeasterparade.

Parks and Rec Easter Egg Hunts — The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation hosts several Easter egg hunts and carnivals for youth at various recreation centers and parks 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26. All events are free. Information, schedule: 544-0753.
Locations are Armijo, 700 E. 7th; Carolina, 563 N. Carolina; Don Haskins, 7400 High Ridge; Galatzan, 650 Wallenberg; Gary del Palacio, 3001 Parkwood; Leona Ford Washington, 3400 E. Missouri; Marty Robbins, 11620 Vista del Sol; Multipurpose, 9031 Viscount; Nolan Richardson, 4435 Maxwell; Pat O’Rourke, 901 N. Virginia; Pavo Real, 9301 Alameda; San Juan, 701 Glenwood and Veterans, 5301 Salem.
Additional hunts:
• 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at Chihuahuita Recreation Center, 417 Charles; Rae Gilmore, 8501 Diana and Seville, 6700 Sambrano.
• 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at Nolan Richardson Center.
Other Easter weekend events:
• A Connect & Senior Center Egg Hunt is 1 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Nolan Richardson Center.
• The annual Golden Egg Hunt and April Pool’s Day event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Armijo Aquatic Center, 911 S. Ochoa.

Cristo Rey pilgrimages — Pilgrimages and hikes are planned at Mt. Cristo Rey throughout Easter weekend by various groups of all denominations. Security and concessions offered throughout most of the weekend. Recommended hours for hiking the mountain are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; some volunteers may be on hand Easter Sunday morning.
The Mt. Cristo Rey trailhead is located off McNutt Road (NM 273). Take the Racetrack exit off Paisano and cross the Rio Grande.

Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Bash — The 16th annual family event, sponsored by Westside Community Church, is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Francisco Delgado Park, on Imperial Ridge behind Franklin High School. The event includes thousands of eggs, family activities including jumping balloon and face painting, appearance by the Easter Bunny and entertainment. Hunt begins at noon. Admission is free.Information: 877-8000, 490-2800 or westsidecommunity.org.

Explore Easter — The Easter event geared towards children age 2 to 10 and their families is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 26, at First Christian Church, 901 Arizona (St. Vrain entrance), with Easter crafts, an Easter story moment and egg hunt. Admission is free. Information: 533-6819 or elpasofirstchristian.org.

Golden Egg Hunt and April Pools Day — The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host a Golden Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Armijo Aquatic Center, 911 S. Ochoa. El Paso Fire Department Water Rescue Team will provide before the egg hunt a water safety presentation to talk to families about the importance of learning to swim and how to stay safe in, on and around the water. Admission is free. Information: 544-3556.

New Life Festival — Ascension Lutheran Church, 6520 Loma de Cristo, hosts a family Easter celebration 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, with an egg hunt, butterfly craft, egg roll game, seed planting, egg coloring, balloon release, music, food and more for children. Admission is free; Information: 833-1009 or ascension.church-builder.com.
Children should bring an Easter basket to be filled. Preregistration encouraged to ensure there are plenty of supplies.

Easter in the Park — The annual egg hunt is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Alameda Park, 1321 N. White Sands, in Alamogordo. A Easter parade begins at 10 a.m. from City Hall to Washington Park followed by festivities in the park including free games and prizes for age 10 and younger. Hunt participants are encouraged to arrive at 9 a.m. Admission is free. Information: (575) 439-4142 or spetsche@ci.alamogordo.nm.us.

Community Easter Sunrise Service — The 41st annual inter-denominational service is 7 a.m. Sunday, March 27, at Oz Glaze Center, 13969 Veny Webb, in Horizon City, with area churches participating. The event includes a presentation of colors, Pledge to the American and Christian flags and a children’s choir. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Horizon City. Continental breakfast follows service. Information: 433-7506.

Easter Eggstravaganza – Egg hunt, games, rides, & don’t miss Johnny Kage spinning live. Saturday at Bulldog Park at 10 AM.

Golden Egg Hunt & April Pool’s Day – Armijo Aquatic Center, 911 S. Ochoa St.
12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ages 4 and under – 12:20 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. (ages 5-7) – 12:40 pm to 1:00 p.m. (ages 8-12) – FREE – Free swim from 1:00 pm to 3:30 p.m. – Information (915)544-3556.

Easter Family Fun Brunch – Join Painted Dunes on Sunday, March 27 for a fun family Easter time. Brunch, Easter egg hunt as well as games on the lawn will include giant croquet, playful maze & great family activities. Please make reservations for the brunch at 915-821-2122. $15 – $1.99. 11 a.m. To 1 p.m. 12000 McCombs 79934.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Yanni — The world music legend and his world-renowned orchestra will perform audience favorites from throughout his career as well as newly reworked arrangements of the classics 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets: $69.50 and $99.50 (Ticketmaster).
Yanni has accumulated more than 40 platinum and gold albums, with international sales totaling over 25 million copies, including the 1997 double-platinum Tribute album, which sold more than a million copies within six weeks of its release, and 1994’s Live at the Acropolis, which has sold more than 7.5 million copies worldwide (5 million in North America). His concerts have been broadcasted on television in more than 40 countries with upwards of 2 billion people tuning in to experience his TV specials.

Hemlock — The metal band performs at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, with opening band Ektomorf, at Mesa Music Hall, 4151 N. Mesa. Tickets: $10; age 18 and older welcome. Information: 599-8585 or on Facebook at Mesa Music Hall.

Speaking Rock Entertainment Center — 122 S. Pueblo Rd. Live music nightly. Information: 860-7777 or speakingrockentertainment.com. Free entry. Tribute bands are 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays:
• March 24: Space Oddity, David Brighton’s Tribute to David Bowie
• March 26: Ozzmania (Ozzy Osbourne)

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino —1200 Futurity Dr. (at Sunland Park Drive), Sunland Park, N.M. Free live music is 9 p.m. Fridays, featuring Latin and regional music and Saturdays featuring rock and pop variety. March 26: Journey Tribute, “San Antonio Lights.” Mariachi music is 5 p.m. Sundays. No cover. Information: (575) 874-5200 or Sunland-Park.com.

ALSO THIS WEEK

La Galeria de la Mison de Senec — The Ysleta Independent School District’s gallery is at 8455 Alameda. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. Information: 434-9703. Showing March 22-April 14: YISD VASE Regional Qualifiers Exhibit. Opening reception is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22.

‘I Have a Voice’ — GiGi’s Playhouse’s International Gala is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Alamo Ballroom, 820 N. Raynor. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit, GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Black tie optional. Information: 833-4029 or gigisplayhouse.org.
GiGi’s Playhouse, El Paso provides therapeutic and educational programs to children and adults with Down Syndrome. All programs provided at no cost to the families.

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market — The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s market for area artists and regionally grown agricultural products is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in the Union Plaza District along Anthony Street. Information: 212-1780 or elpasoartsandculture.org.

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing — The 14th annual market runs Saturdays year-round at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Well behaved pets on leash welcome; brunch available for purchase on patio 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.

La Via Sunday Market — La Via Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts a farmer’s market featuring local food producers noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, with art, crafts, jams and jellies, food trucks, wine and more. No outside alcohol allowed. Dog friendly. Admission is free. Information: (575) 502-4074 or lavinawinery.com.

Art a la Cart — Inni Heart Eatery (formerly La Tierra Cafe), 1731 Montana, hosts the monthly event noon to 4 p.m. the last Saturday of the month, with vendors, entertainment, food, and a Kid’s Activity Corner. Information: 533-8890 or Facebook at Inni Heart Herminia Escajeda.

‘A Company of Wayward Saints’ — Kids-N-Co., 1301 Texas, presents the play by Celeste Raspanti March 25-17 and April 1-3. Directed by Jim Lupercio. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $10. Information: 351-1455 or on Facebook at El Paso Kids-n-Co.
A commedia dell’arte group wanders by mistake into the eye of an allegory. A nobleman may be their salvation if they can put on a good show for him. Surprisingly, the company chooses to present the history of man, from the Garden of Eden through Everyman in birth, adolescence, marriage and death. Along the way they enact other wayward adventures such as the assassination of Julius Caesar and the homecoming of Odysseus.

SPORTS

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park. Live racing season runs through April 19. Post time is 1:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Nine races held each race day. General admission and parking are free. Simulcast racing begins at 10 a.m. everyday. Information: (575) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com.

Springtime Track Invitational — The annual UTEP spring field and track meet is all day Saturday, March 26, at Kidd Field. The event features men’s and women’s college teams as well as the top qualifying high school athletes from the region. Information: 747-5812 or utepathletics.com.

Tec de Monterrey Leadership Race — Tec de Monterrey Prep School, 5450 Hurd Place, Suite A, hosts the 1-mile walk and 5K run at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 26. Registration: $25 per event; $20 12 and younger. Race day registration for all runners: $30. Information: 274-5222 or coultercmike@yahoo.com. Online registration at raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Pre-race packet pick up is noon to 6 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Up and Running, 1475 George Dieter, Suite O, and 7 to 7:45 a.m. on race day at the start line.