Wantagh thaws out with Spring Fun Hunt

After a winter of non-stop snowstorms and freezing temperatures, Wantagh celebrated the arrival of spring with an Easter egg hunt. The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce held the festivities along with support from local businesses and sponsors. The hunt was free for all participants and everything from the plastic eggs to snacks were donated. “It’s all about giving back to the community, the people that shop with us and work with us,” said Chamber President Chris Brown.”

Sponsors included Kidville Wantagh, Wantagh Little League and NEFCU, among others. Community groups, such as the Wantagh High School Key Club, came out to help put the event together. “People may think the Chamber of Commerce is concerned solely with business,” said Steve Rhoads, Wantagh’s new county legislator. “But they’re more concerned with the community. Just look at all the smiling faces and it makes everything worth it.”

The Wantagh Fire Department and Nassau County Police Auxiliary were also present at the event. Other special guests were Winnie the Pooh, Spiderman and, of course, the Easter Bunny. Brown and Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney brought their kids to take part in the festivities.

“My other job is a church school teacher,” said Heidi Felix, president of the Wantagh Kiwanis Club. “Some of the kids I teach came out today. I just love seeing all the kids here.”

The Chamber of Commerce holds various events throughout the year including the annual holiday tree lighting at Triangle Park and Snowball Run in December. The Spring Fun Hunt was another event to bring together members of the Wantagh community.

The ancient Germanic tradition of searching for Easter eggs began as a game adults would set up for children. In the culture of these people, the egg was a symbol for new life, fertility and news arrivals. The same can be said of the egg hunt in Wantagh as members of the community, local sponsors and Wantagh officials came out to celebrate the arrival of spring.