By Tangerine Clarke
The faces of more than 400 children of all ages lit up with excitement as they scampered around for brightly-colored eggs during the first Eggs’travaganza Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 15 in Roy Wilkins Park and Family Center in Jamaica, Queens.
The six-hour event was hosted by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) the NOW Production Company and — in addition to the egg hunt — featured a dance competition, a musical backdrop provided by Deejay Melvin Stanley; performances by hip-hop artists Untouchable Movement and Chynne, Renae and Imaani of Jules Legacy, and a visit from the good old Easter Bunny.
Little Nathaniel Sobers serenaded the gleeful crowd, while Jolani revved up fans with an upbeat Soca choice that got the little bunnies hopping on their feet.
The hall was festooned with colorful balloons, and a confectionery station, laden with a variety of candy that filled giveaway Easter baskets. Popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs further fueled the eggs’tra special afternoon of fun.
This was just one of several recent collaborations between Comrie’s office, and NOW Production Company founder and CEO Natasha Onica Wilson, a vocalist, and native of Trinidad and Tobago.
Comrie told Caribbean Life that his office has helped Wilson acquire space for other events during which she “gave back” to the community, and said he was “happy to work with her to acquire this facility for this Easter event. It is a strong turnout because the community is accustomed to coming out for the Easter season.”
“We are doing everything the community asks us to do,” said Comrie, who commended his staff for being flexible, to the needs of citizens. “We are willing to work with other groups like NOW Production to help them to give back to the community.”
Upcoming programs that will be sponsored by Comrie’s office include a CUNY College Information Session; a Spring Fling at St. Albans Park in Jamaica; and a Homeowners Resource Fair — all on Saturday, April 22, a Young Professionals Workshop on Wednesday, April 26 at Campus Magnet High School, and a Jumpstart for a Day event at Rufus King Park on Saturday, April 29, at noon.
