Visit Bok Tower Gardens to worship at the 97th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 9 at 7:00 a.m. with free admission from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m
Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens
Gardens’ Carillonneur Geert D’hollander will begin the celebration at 6:30 a.m. with a selection of seasonal compositions performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon. The processional will be performed by Bagpiper Ben Pugh. Father Tim Nunez of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Wales, FL will deliver the inspirational Easter message. The service will conclude with a half-hour concert performed by D’hollander on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.
To accommodate the crowds, The Blue Palmetto Cafe at Bok Tower Gardens is offering a pre-purchased Brunch-in-a-Bag for $18 adults and $9 children. The Brunch-in-a-Bag includes a Nutella crepe, Sun-dried Tomato, Feta & Spinach Frittata, two slices of Apple Cider-Cured Bacon, fresh fruit and choice of unlimited coffee, orange juice, iced tea or fountain drink. The Child’s Brunch-in-a-Bag includes a Belgian waffle with syrup, two slices of Apple Cider-Cured Bacon, fresh fruit and choice of unlimited orange juice, iced tea or fountain drink. The cafe will open to the public with regular lunch menu at 10:30 a.m.
At 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., D’hollander will perform hymns and other seasonal carillon music for the occasion.
The Easter Sunrise Service has been an annual tradition since April 17, 1927, making it the longest continuously running event at Bok Tower Gardens. Reverend G.W.R. Cadman formally dedicated the Sanctuary during the first service. The son of Gardens’ founder, Curtis Bok, said the service “quite literally helps the sun get over the horizon on Easter morning.”
After 8:00 a.m. general admission to the Gardens is $16 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. El Retiro estate will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and tours of the historic home can be purchased for an additional fee.
For additional information visit boktowergardens.org
You may also be interested in the Lake Wales History Bus Tour
