All across southwestern Connecticut, bakeries are readying for the flood of customers picking up baked goods for Easter.

John DiMarco, owner of Luigi?s Italian Pastry in Bridgeport, said Easter preparations at his shop began two weeks ago. He and his bakers worked around the clock to prepare for the more than 400 orders that have already been placed for Saturday pick-up.

DiMarco said 1,500 loaves of bread were baked at Luigi?s Thursday night. The rush comes the Friday before Easter, according to DiMarco. He said customers want their breads, cookies and pies fresh for the holiday.