Chamber hops into holiday spirit

In spite of unseasonably cooler temperatures, the Easter Bunny hopped down Bedford Avenue last Saturday during the annual Easter Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.

Business owners, elected officials and families gathered near the Long Island Rail Road Station for the parade, which headed down Bedford Avenue to Oak Street.

Town of Hempstead Clerk Mark Bonilla, County Legislator Dave Denenberg, Chamber Festival Coordinator Martha Verdi and the Easter Bunny led the way, with dozens of local children in tow. Youngsters were encouraged to wear Easter bonnets and holiday-themed garb, according to the chamber.

The children in attendance also enjoyed several gifts from local Bellmore businesses. Each received plastic Easter eggs filled with candy before the parade, compliments of the chamber. After the parade, they were given coupons for free ice cream cones at International Delight Café, on Bedford Avenue. The ownership of Got Cupcakes?, also on Bedford Avenue, offered coupons for free cupcakes.

Parents also enjoyed complimentary services after the parade. They were encouraged to take photos of their children with the Easter Bunny in what organizers described as a “spring setting” near Oak Street. Island Greenery provided the decorations for the photo backdrop.

The parade was the first of several events the chamber is sponsoring this spring, President Debby Izzo said. The next gathering will be the Bellmore Barks “Four-Legged Fashion” event on May 5.

“There’s always something happening in the Bellmores,” Izzo said.