By peter A. Sutters Jr.
Little ones waited in line at the cotton candy machine to get that sugar-induced energy they needed to participate in the fun and games of the Fourth Annual Easter Egg hunt sponsored by City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Affinity Health Plan, and 107.5 WBLS. Pony rides, slides, face painting, live music, a parade, and Easter egg decorating were just a few of the activities that kept the park filled for the afternoon until the main event when hundreds of eager egg hunters lined up for their chance to grab a treat stashed inside the pastel eggs that covered a section of the park.DJ Dr. Bob kept the music blasting over the park until Atlanta-based R&B group Casual took the stage to preform some of their original songs as well as fan favorites from the likes of Jay-Z and Snoop Dog.”It was a great success,” said Comrie, who noted that this year's event was larger than years past and he was looking forward to an even bigger event next year. Among the other area officials who hopped into the festivities were CB 12 manager Yvonne Reddick, Queens County Clerk Dora Young, former Councilman Archie Spigner, state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D- St. Albans). “If you're excited, let me hear you say 'oh yeah',” Smith told the responsive crowd. “Look at St. Albans. We're No. 1.” Then, showing off his youthful enthusiasm, Smith borrowed a line from Snoop, and told the DJ to “Drop it like it's hot.”Other activities spread around the park included a tug-of-war that pitted neighbor against neighbor, with one side ultimately ending up with a face full of dirt. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Easter egg hunt that required police barricades to keep the kids at bay until the hunt began. Once gathered around the egg-strewn corner of the park, Comrie gave the go-ahead after a three second countdown that unleashed a stamped of smiling kids who plucked up the eggs in the blink of an eye, to the delight of some and the disappointment of others who were not quite quick enough. Two lucky hunters found the coveted golden eggs and were rewarded on stage with an Easter basket overflowing with goodies.”I feel happy I won,” said 7-year-old Cheyenne Clinkscalen.Reach reporter Peter A. Sutters by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext 173.
