Today will mark the beginning of a flurry of events at the Des Moines Botanical Center. All weekend long, there will be parades, festivals and egg hunts, all honoring Easter.

The event that will be kicking off the weekend will be the Easter Bunny Treasure Trail, located inside the Botanical Center, thus making it weatherproof. The Treasure Trail is a fun event that will allow all participants a chance to experience the wonder and excitement of the center.

The key to the Trail is the treasure key, obtained with admission at the gate. Once in the center, the goal is for each participant to have his or her card signed by one of the many characters roaming the grounds in costume. Once signed, the card can be redeemed for a bag of prizes and goodies from the Easter Bunny. The Treasure Trail will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Also included with admission on Saturday will be “Eggs … Eggs … Eggs,” a program created to allow all children a chance to decorate their own Easter eggs, as well as learn of fun things to with eggs. This event will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The final event slated for Saturday will be the Animal Show and Tell, a chance for children to interact with a variety of interesting critters. Kathy Krogmeier and a host of other Blank Park Zoo staff will be presenting all types of animals, including rabbits. Some of the most interesting animals will be hissing cockroaches and giant toads. The show will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Again, admission to this event will be included with the general admission.

For the parents who will be in attendance, there will be an Easter plant sale. All types of greenery will be available to those people who wish to decorate their home or office. The sale begins Saturday and will continue through Sunday. As with all the other events, the $1.50 admission fee is all that will be required.

On Sunday there will be a parade that is sure to please everyone. The largest parade possible will be held under the Botanical Center Dome. All who attend the parade will be treated to a fun event.

The final event scheduled for Easter weekend will be the Skytoy Festival, on Saturday and Sunday. Featuring the latest in kites, windsocks, frisbee and other aerodynamic toys, the festival will be hosted by Dennis Van Fleet. Weather permitting, Van Fleet promises to display his talents.

The Botanical Center is located at 909 E. River Dr., in Des Moines.