Finally, the winter is coming to a close and Spring returns to Eureka Springs with all it’s joy, warmth and blossoms. It is truly a lovely time to come visit our city, as landscaping begins to really pop with color and restaurants dust off their outdoor seating sections. To celebrate spring and the rebirth it signifies, Eureka Springs holds a parade. If you don’t know already, we’re kinda into parades in this town!
Easter Belles Parade
The Easter Parade is only in its second year, so this is an opportunity for you to help set the foundation for this event! Taking place Easter Sunday, March 31st at noon, this parade continue the tradition of Easter Parades started in the 1800s, honoring women, Springtime, fashion and culture of the times.
The parade starts at Gavioli Chapel (80 Mountain Street) with a Champagne toast and continues to the Crescent Hotel. Come out to see the ladies in all their finery! All proceeds go to helping women in chemotherapy treatment.
Would You Like to Participate?
All that is required to walk in the parade is a hat and gloves! That, and a donation of any size to the Easter Belles charity. Learn more about making a donation on the Easter Belle’s website.
Most of the ladies ride in horse drawn carriages or in convertible vehicles, but you can also stroll – as long as you are dressed fashionably!
History of the Easter Parade
The Easter Parade is typically a somewhat informal event, not strongly religious in nature. Ladies participating in an Easter parade traditionally dress in new and fashionable clothing, particularly ostentatious hats, striving to impress others with their finery.
The Easter parade is closely associated with New York City’s Fifth Avenue, where fashion rules. However, Easter parades take place in many cities. Starting as a spontaneous event in the 1870s, the New York parade became increasingly popular into the mid-20th century—in 1947, it was estimated to draw over a million people. From the 1880s through the 1950s, New York’s Easter parade was one of the main cultural expressions of Easter in the United States.
Come Visit Eureka Springs this Month!
We hope you will come and visit us in Arkansas this lovely spring! We would love to host you in our Eureka Springs Inn, conveniently located minutes from downtown and the parade route.
