The event comprised all types of games, arts & crafts, and fun activities for children of all ages, including traditional Easter egg hunts and “old school” potato sack races. To keep things fair and safe, both activities catered to kids of different age groups. The longest lines were for the biggest attraction, “Justy the Bunny.”

 

Sharon and Olga of Financial Literacy & Family Engagement were seen manning a table on the day surrounded by children. They said the stand was sponsored by the nonprofit Strive Higher, which is based at the Oval Recreation Center. Sharon explained, “Right now, the kids are planting plant pods with seeds.” The youngsters would later take home beet, peas, or spinach mustard plants.

Morris Park resident Janet had her hands full as she told Norwood News, “Let me see… I’m with four kids… no five! Five children…yes! Four of them are over here, and one is in the Easter egg hunt.” Asked how the potato-sack race went down, she replied, “That’s where they were about to go now, little by little.”

 

She added that the children were aiming to hit every activity. Of her visit to this year’s Oval Easter celebration, Janet said, “This is my first time. I honestly think it’s awesome to provide the children with some fun!”

 

Heather Guerino of Crusaders for Children’s Rights, one of many event sponsors on the day and who provided the popular bunny, as well as free goodies, said after the event, “There were a lot of kids, a lot of parents. I was shocked that so many parents came out!”

Teaming up with the Parks’ department for the second year in a row, Guerino said, “It was nice, although there was a line, you know? Everybody wanted to take pictures with Justy the Bunny.” She added, “It was very nice, and the parents were very patient; they waited on line for their turn. I wished more elected officials had participated.”

 

According to Guerino, both State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D.33), who sponsored two magic shows at the event, and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (A.D. 81) stopped by the event on the day. Guerino’s husband, Sirio, co-founder of Guerinos Against Graffitti*, another event sponsor, ended up providing security for Justy the Bunny.

Sirio explained, “Some of the older guys were trying to be wise guys.” He said that a few older teens thought it would be funny to remove the bunny’s head or pull his zipper down the back. He added, “I had to put them in their place.”

 

According to Sarah Bishow-Semevolos, manager of the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, over 1,000 people turned out for the event, and over 720 kids participated in the various Easter egg hunts.

Other sponsors of the event included the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District (BID), the Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, the NYPD’s 52^nd Precinct, Bronx Community Board 7, Strive Higher, and Friends of Mosholu Parkland.

 

Check out our other recent story featuring Sirio Guerino’s efforts to declutter the overcrowded bus stop at East 204th Street and Webster Avenue in Norwood here.