EGGS, BONNETS, AND BUNNIES

By SAMANTHA CROUCH

The countdown began. “Five, four thr-,” and before the ribbon was cut, kids of all ages took off, sprinting to collect as many candy-filled Easter eggs as possible.  The children in the youngest age group took their time, with parents in tow, as the older children finished as fast as lightning.  This scene describes the start of a fun filled Easter egg hunt that took place on Saturday, March 31st.  It was a beautiful sunny day and a good time was had by all.

SAMANTHA CROUCH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY 

Washingtonville Placemaking is constantly coming up with ideas for the betterment of the community.  This past Saturday was a perfect example as the community got together for an Easter celebration.  Kids of all ages, as well as adults, got together to participate in an egg hunt, enjoy food from local businesses, while listening and dancing to music. This is not the first holiday event Washingtonville Placemaking members have created as they were also the minds behind “Witchingtonville” this past fall.  

Placemaking has found a way involve and spark the interest of children and teens alike.  One senior, Kate Rocke, claimed, “The Easter Parade was great.  I didn’t think a lot of people were going to go because of the time and the weather, but so many people showed up.”  She went on to express, “Like Witchingtonville, I think it’s a great thing for the community.  I would definitely go again next year.”  The Easter Bonnet Parade has grown a tremendous amount in the past year and it is exciting to see where it will go in the future.  

Although this is only the second year that Washingtonville has hosted The Easter Bonnet Parade and Egg Hunt, it was certainly not lacking in size.  Boasting over 11,500 eggs, it quickly became the largest egg hunt in Orange County and one of the biggest in The Hudson Valley.  Solely based on donations, the sheer magnitude of the hunt is impressive to say the least.   Betty’s Country Kitchen was named “egg-quarters” as volunteers helped to stuff the eggs in preparation.

It takes a village to make an event of this magnitude successful.  There were multiple local businesses who helped with the event, such as New Generation Dance, Amada’s Kitchen, New York Performing Arts Center, and The Candy Lady.  Without their help, this event could not have become a reality.

Alongside the businesses who volunteered, there were many community members who wanted to help out with the event in any way they could.  Volunteers from the National Art Honor Society helped out by doing face painting and temporary tattoos.  Rebecca Flood, the president of the honor society, stated, “It was important because we’re trying to get art more involved in the community and show the NAHS members how their talents can benefit the community.”  The line of children excitedly waiting to get their faces painted by one of the volunteers was a perfect example of how their talents are, in fact, helping.  

Many who came to the parade also participated in the Easter bonnet contest, where judges chose the winners based upon most original and biggest for both children and adults.  In the beginning of the day, those who wished to participate in the contest were given a number.  Finalists were chosen and called by their number and Mayor Bucco, alongside new village trustees Valerie Laudato and Diane Mack, chose the winners.  

The Egg Hunt is surely a tradition that young kids will look forward to in the years to come.   From larger than life Easter bonnets to thousands of eggs, the event was one to remember.  Hopefully Placemaking plans to keep it a tradition in the future.