CLEVELAND, Ohio — As spring arrives in full bloom, two major religious observances—Palm Sunday and Passover—will be marked by Northeast Ohioans this weekend with reverence, tradition, and celebration.
Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, will be observed by Christians this Sunday. Meanwhile, Passover begins at nightfall on Saturday, ushering in a weeklong Jewish festival that continues through April 20. Families will gather for the traditional Seder meal, lighting candles and sharing symbolic foods that honor the story of Exodus.
Beyond religious observances, residents can also embrace the season through nature and art.
Gardenview Horticultural Park, located at 16711 Pearl Road in Strongsville, welcomes visitors for spring tours this weekend. The park is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for children and young adults ages 5 to 18. Seasonal memberships are available at $25 for individuals or $50 per family, offering unlimited access.
In the artistic realm, traditional Redware pottery is gaining attention for its craftsmanship and charm. Much like kneading dough, the shaping of Redware begins with rolled-out clay, which is then molded and freehand-designed. Once formed slightly larger than the intended size, the pottery is left to harden. Excess clay is trimmed, and tools like coggles or pie crimpers are used to craft the decorative rims. Smaller molds often take on whimsical forms, showcasing the artisan’s flair.
Greg and Mary Shooner, renowned Redware artisans, will display their work this summer at the Artisans Tent during Zoar’s Harvest Festival in July.
In a related note, a reader recently inquired about a family heirloom—a layered, gold-insert picture frame featuring incised wood carvings and measuring approximately 8 by 10 inches. According to local antiques expert Mary, the piece is Victorian in style, characterized by its black and gold detailing. Valued at around $95, the frame is deemed both aesthetically and sentimentally worth preserving.
