WHEELING — The Easter Bunny, daffodils and tulips, and the smells and sights of spring are coming to Oglebay Park in early April.

The “Easter Family Weekend” is set for April 2-4, kicking off what Oglebay Park officials hope will be a strong season following a year when many people have been cooped up due to COVID.

“We think the weather is going to be fabulous,” said Herb Faulkenberry, vice president of sales and marketing at Oglebay Park. “Spring is here.”

The park is anxiously awaiting the end of May, and the events that will follow at Oglebay Park.

“Come on Memorial Day,” he said. “That puts us into our heavy season — other than the Festival of Lights.

“Right this minute, the way reservations are going, we are going to have an outstanding spring and summer. People appear to be ready to go out and enjoy the nature.”

Those who enjoy the food at Oglebay will be happy that the Easter Buffet has returned to the Ihlenfeld Dining Room for the season, but serving procedures have been modified to adhere with COVID concerns, Faulkeberry explained.

There are shields around each food station, and servers are there to place food desired offerings on the diner’s plate.

“You just tell them what you want,” Faulkenberry said. “We are happy to serve you.”

The Easter Buffet is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Easter day, April 4, in the Ihlenfeld Dining Room.

The weekend’s events begin with the arrival of the Easter Bunny, who will visit the Good Zoo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3 for the annual Good Zoo Treasure Hunt.

Each participating child will turn their ticket in to receive a treat basket after hopping their way throughout the zoo. After this, they get the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.

Youngsters also will have the chance to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 3 in the West Ballroom at Wilson Lodge.

There will be a breakfast buffet, and each child will receive a special plush toy from the Easter Bunny himself. Pictures available for purchase and cameras are welcome.

The West Ballroom has been renovated in recent months, as have the Fort Henry and Terrace rooms at Wilson Lodge. Work will next take place to revitalize Glessner Auditorium and nearby meeting rooms, according to Faulkenberry.

While the Easter Family Weekend is geared toward children with their parents, two weeks later Oglebay Park will be celebrating adults and the spirit of exercise and relaxing following a stressful winter.

The Spring Renewal Retreat is set for April 16-18, and includes a series of yoga and meditation classes.

“It’s a very good and rather wholesome weekend,” Faulkenberry said.