It's Good Friday in Sarasota, and Sunday is coming

Thomas Bender, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·1 min read
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Thousands of people attended the first Downtown Baptist Church free, community-wide event on Friday that featured Sarasota's aerialist Nik Wallenda, a Good Friday service and a helicopter Easter egg drop.

Today, Easter Sunday, is when Christians celebrate Jesus, conquering death from the grave. Holy week activities began with Palm Sunday, with Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday marking the day Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. Three days later, he rose.

The event featured an inspirational message and high wire walk from world-famous wire walker Nik Wallenda, Good Friday service, food stations, a helicopter dropping candy-filled Easter eggs, inflatables and face painting for kids, live music, and more.

Event organizers say it will become an annual tradition. In addition to his high wire walk, Wallenda will share his personal faith journey.

"For over a century, our church has been sharing Jesus in our beautiful city and beyond. As our team was dreaming and planning Easter weekend, someone mentioned that it would be great to have a Good Friday gathering in beautiful Payne Park," said Senior Pastor Dr. John Cross. "Easter's message of God's love is truly Good News, and we're committed to sharing it with as many as possible!"

Volunteer handing out waters, Sophia Ramsdell, 9, of Sarasota.
Volunteer handing out waters, Sophia Ramsdell, 9, of Sarasota.
Waiting for the egg drop, (left to right) Reyna Blas, 3, Vallen Glauser, 4, Alessi Kompo, 3, Lennon Walen, 3, all of Sarasota.
Waiting for the egg drop, (left to right) Reyna Blas, 3, Vallen Glauser, 4, Alessi Kompo, 3, Lennon Walen, 3, all of Sarasota.
The bunny was running wild.
The bunny was running wild.
Thousands of people attended the 1st annual 'Good Friday in Payne Park' hosted by First Sarasota's Downtown Baptist Church.
Thousands of people attended the 1st annual 'Good Friday in Payne Park' hosted by First Sarasota's Downtown Baptist Church.
The community-wide event featured Sarasota's Nik Wallenda,
The community-wide event featured Sarasota's Nik Wallenda,
Enjoying a delicious cupcake, Ira Chaudhari, 5, of Sarasota. Thousands of people attended the 1st annual 'Good Friday in Payne Park' hosted by First Sarasota's Downtown Baptist Church.
Enjoying a delicious cupcake, Ira Chaudhari, 5, of Sarasota. Thousands of people attended the 1st annual 'Good Friday in Payne Park' hosted by First Sarasota's Downtown Baptist Church.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Downtown Baptist Church presented 'Good Friday in Sarasota's Payne Park'