Surrey Museum hosts an Easter event with a twist on Saturday.

The seventh annual Easter Fair is a by donation gathering that runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with spring crafts, holiday games and an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt in the museum gallery.

The event is also a showcase of nine local animal rescue groups that team with the museum to teach about the "real Easter bunny" and other animals.

Families can learn about local wildlife and rescue animals, including rabbits, reptiles, dogs and birds.

The event was conceived as a fun way to tackle the problem of abandoned holiday pets. Every Easter, adopted rabbits find themselves cast off or neglected as the novelty wears off and new owners realize that rabbits require just as much care as other pets. Over the years, other animals were featured at the event, in addition to rabbits.

"People should adopt instead of shop," said Jennifer Kaiser, who works with Without Borders Boxer Rescue. "By rescuing, you save a life, and do your part in combating overpopulation."

There are far more homeless dogs than there are dogs in loving homes, added Anny Salomon, of Canadian Animal Rescue & Extended Shelter (C.A.R.E.S.). "You can save a life and free up a spot in rescue for another needy animal waiting to be adopted. Essentially you are saving two lives. This Easter, think about how you can help all the homeless and abandoned animals in your community."

The animal rescue groups at this year's Easter Fair include Vancouver Rabbit Rescue & Advocacy, AireCanada Airedale Terrier Rescue Network, Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary, TnT Sharpei Rescue, Westcoast Society for the Protection & Conservation of Reptiles, Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, Chihuahua Club of BC and Canada and Without Borders Boxer Rescue.

Surrey Museum is located at 17710 56A Ave. For more event information, call 604592-6956 or visit www. surrey.ca/heritage.