Empire Hose Company’s first annual ‘Eggstravaganza’ a hit

On April 15, Empire Hose Company 3, in Merrick, hosted their first annual Easter “Eggstravanganza,” and according to Ron Luparello, of the department, it was a smashing success.

Family fun for the holiday was the chief order of business, of course, but the department also pushed its recruitment and retention efforts, with literature available on becoming a volunteer firefighter and information also on joining the Juniors program, for ages 13 to 17.

According to Luparello, interest was strong in both programs, and “upwards of 300 children” showed up to hunt for eggs and enjoy the afternoon. Coffee was also donated by Starbucks, of Merrick.

“It was a great day,” said Luparello. “It was our first time doing this, so we had a bit of a learning curve. As the day went on, we made some adjustments so it wasn’t pure chaos at all times. The day, overall, went fantastic, though.”

According to Luparello, Empire Hose Company plans to “build on” the event and hold it again, even bigger and better, next Easter.