NEWRY, Maine — Nickelodeon Kids’ Snow Festival, which coincides with Easter weekend April 6-8, is full of family-friendly events at Sunday River. Festivities include two performances by the world-renowned Russian American Kids Circus, an outdoor festival featuring a concert by kids’ band Hot Peas ???n’ Butter, visits from SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer costume characters, and Easter activities.

Kids’ Snow Festival presented by Nickelodeon will feature a performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7 by kid-favorite band Hot Peas ???n Butter, which has appeared on NOGGIN’s hit series “Jack’s Big Music Show.” The band was founded on the premise that it is possible to reach children through music without lowering musical standards, and its music is inspired by its members’ broad multicultural, multilingual, and musical backgrounds. The concert will take place at Sunday River’s White Cap Lodge as part of an outdoor children’s festival with games and activities for the whole family.

The Russian American Kids Circus, an ensemble of circus artists ages 6-16 that have been performing on top stages worldwide for over 11 years, will also delight audiences with two shows during the weekend. Trained and produced by veterans of the world famous Moscow Circus, these artists fill the stage with a blur of spangles, synchronized acrobatics, black lights, unicycling, expert juggling, daring aerial feats, and balancing acts.

The Russian American Kids Circus has appeared at Disney World, on the Bill Cosby Show, Good Morning America, plus countless commercials and television programs all over the globe. The New York Times says, “This troupe of young professionals makes spirits soar and crowds roar.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 8 at the Grand Summit Hotel Grand Ballroom. For ticket information, call (207) 824-3575. For further information on the Circus, visit www.rakidscircus.org.

On Sunday, April 8, a sunrise Easter service will be offered at the top of Sunday River’s Locke Mountain, followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt at 9 a.m.

Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will also make appearances throughout the weekend. Specially priced ski and stay packages start at $79 for adults with accompanying kids free. More information on Sunday River’s events and ski and stay packages is available at www.sundayriver.com.