BERLIN — This weekend Berlin will host its 16th Annual Spring Celebration. Sponsored by the Berlin Chamber of commerce, the Spring Celebration has come to represent the official end of winter for many and the first in a line if street fairs and festivals that take the town all the way through summer.

It would be wrong to misunderstand the psychological and economic impact the break in the weather — and it is a natural fact that the weather will break — will have on the region. Judging from the foot traffic during the precious few beautiful days the area has had so far, people are already seeking a cure for their cabin fever, or at least their cabin fever hangover, which bodes well for the season and makes the Spring Celebration that much more an anticipated event.

Spring Celebration is more than a way of shaking off the winter blues, though. That would be giving the past season too much credit. It’s a recognition of the possibilities that the rest of the season might bring, an understanding that, on balance, the days are just going to be better and allow us to be both more productive and more apt to take our leisure during the coming months. 

While there will not be any racing pigs on Main Street this year, there will be plenty of other entertainment and diversions to help get people in the mood for spring. 

This year the pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be served at Rayne’s Reef in two sittings, 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to kick off the day. 

Among the most anticipated changes is the revamping of the annual Easter Bonnet and Mad Hatter Parade. The parade used to be a localized event wherein participants walked the courtyard of the Atlantic Hotel. This year the participants will meet in front of the Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Building and have a proper parade all the way down Main Street, with the final judging taking place at the Atlantic Hotel.

But the Spring Celebration isn’t the only event worth attending this weekend. The annual Ocean City Easter Arts, Crafts and Kids Fair returns to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday with plenty to see and do for kids and adults alike.

Over the course of the two days 15 separate Easter egg hunts will be held around the convention center ensuring that there will never be too long a wait. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunities as well as to entertain the kids.

Additional entertainment includes a rotating roster of magic shows and juggling expositions. Kids will also have the opportunity to learn to juggle under the supervision of the professionals, enter contests and play games all included in the price of admission.

For additional fees there will be face painting, temporary tattoo, and sand art stations throughout the exhibition hall. 

On the arts and crafts front, great finds for Mother’s Day or just for treating oneself will be available. More than 60 crafters, artists and artisans from all over the region have reserved space to begin their seasonal sales.

Admission to the fair is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and kids. Children under 3 are free.