Easter Monday provided the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre with the perfect opportunity to allow its patrons to handpick delights of the spring season as it hosted its upgraded annual Easter event with its first Spring Tingatma'Zoo Affair.

The 80-plus-year-old zoo was given new life with the added attraction of a family market that drew scores of people through their gates for the refreshing outdoor experience. Local vendors, many with quintessential Bahamian crafts and products sold their wares under a wooden pavilion in the charming market atmosphere that was enjoyed by children and parents alike.

Cleola V. Design showcased straw purses; Sugar Plum Studio displayed a variety of hand-painted, island inspired buys; Show-and-Tell was done by Sunset Organic who presented their green produce and talked about the importance of eating healthy; Jeweler Crystal Strachan displayed her simple, but elegant wire accessories from her company, Shop Evolve; while Schuyler Peyton's Posh Pickings peddled irresistible knick knacks for children; with Kalico Bay featuring children's clothes with a full stock of spring outfits.

The family oriented event also showcased treats from Foxy's Sweet Treats, Celestial Treats, Fab Art, B&B's Catering and The Lemonade Stand. And the event would not be complete without an Easter egg hunt, games and food eating competition. St. Thomas More School's choir and drumline performed during the event.

As the event was at the country's lone zoo, close encounters with some of the animals were on the cards along with children's craft.

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