.jpg)
KREISCHE BREWERY-MONUMENT HILL
LA GRANGE — “Oh boy, did we hunt Easter Eggs up there,” longtime La Grange resident Verna Reichert recalled of childhood visits to the Bluff. Continuing this cherished tradition, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites will host their annual Easter on the Bluff on Saturday, April 4th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature children’s egg hunts on the grounds, living history demonstrations, and games. All are invited to take part in the longstanding tradition of celebrating Easter atop the Bluff overlooking La Grange.
Community gatherings have a long history on the Bluff. Beginning in the 1880s, the Bluff Schuetzenverein, a German marksmanship and social club, held feasts, dances, and holiday celebrations through the 1920s. Townsfolk, like Reichert, fondly remembered the brightly dyed eggs scattered across the grounds of Monument Hill on Easter morning.
This year’s Easter on the Bluff offers something for everyone. The sites’ monthly History in Play program will kick off the event from 2:00-4:00pm with Easter egg-themed games and activities.
At the Kreische house, costumed interpreters will demonstrate the historic smokehouse and 19th-century cooking. Before the egg hunts, visitors are encouraged to bring picnic meals and enjoy the scenic grounds.
Two egg hunts will be offered. The first, at 5:30pm, will take place inside the Kreische House yard and is intended for children aged 4 and under. The second hunt, at 6:00pm, will take place throughout the grounds for children aged 5-12. Because eggs are found quickly, families are encouraged to arrive early and prepare in advance.
Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase Early Bird tickets for Bluff SchuetzenFest, the sites’ annual beer and heritage festival on Saturday, May 16th. Discounted General Admission tickets and Beer Tasting Packages will be available, and lucky egg-hunters may even find coupons for free General Admission hidden in select eggs.
Admission for Easter on the Bluff is free for Friends members and children under 5, $2 for students, $3 for seniors, and $5 for adults. For more information, please contact the sites Visitors Center at (979) 9685658 or check out the sites’ Facebook page.
Young visitors race to find eggs hidden throughout the grounds. Easter on the Bluff features two egg hunts. The first is at 5:30 in the yard of the Kreische House for children ages 4 and under. The second is at 6 p.m. for ages 5-12 and will take place across the grounds. Courtesy photo
