Annual Inter-faith Sunrise Service to Mark Easter at Bok Tower Gardens

A Lake Wales tradition for more than 90 years, the annual Easter Sunrise Service will be held this Sunday morning, April 17 at Bok Tower Gardens. The event is free to the public, and gates will open at 6:00 am. Free admission to the service will continue until 8:00 am.

The service "quite literally helps the sun get over the horizon on Easter morning," according to Curtis Bok, son of the garden's founder Edward Bok.

The Easter Sunrise Service has been an annual tradition since April 17, 1927, making it the longest continuously running event at Bok Tower Gardens.

The celebration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a selection of seasonal compositions performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon by gardens Carillonneur Geert D'hollander. The processional will follow, performed by Bagpiper Ben Pugh. Reverend Tim Nunez of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd will deliver an inspirational message to mark the holy day of Easter.

The service will conclude with a half-hour concert performed by D'hollander on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.

Shuttle service will not be available, so attendees are encouraged to bring personal wheelchairs or mobility carts. Dogs are also not permitted at the service but are welcome to enter the Gardens after 8 a.m.

To accommodate the crowds, The Blue Palmetto Café at Bok Tower Gardens is offering a Brunch-in-a-Bag for $18 adults and $9 children. Those meals must be purchased in advance. Details are available at the Bok Tower Gardens website. The café will be open to the public with regular lunch menu at 10:30 a.m.

The Visitor Center, and The Shop at Bok will open at 6:00 a.m.