The Village of Valley Stream held its annual Easter Goodie Bag Giveaway at Hendrickson Park, offering a day of activities, photos and giveaways for children 12 and younger. Children received pre-made Easter goodie bags while supplies lasted.
The event took place on March 21 behind the pool area from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It began with a sensory-friendly meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny from 9:30 to 11 a.m., providing a quieter environment for children with sensory sensitivities. The main event opened at 11 a.m., featuring Mr. and Mrs. Bunny again, games, a bouncy house, dancing and music from DJ John Piazza.
The giveaway format replaced the traditional Easter egg hunt in recent years to avoid large crowds and allow for a longer, more inclusive community celebration. Goodie bags included small Easter-themed items such as stickers and temporary tattoos instead of candy.
Village staff prepared hundreds of bags in advance. Organizers said the event’s goal was to create a welcoming springtime gathering for families close to home, combining seasonal activities, entertainment and community fun in a single day.
