A Hoppy Easter at BCAC

By Dan Guarino

With Easter buckets and baskets, and even a Halloween goody pail and Target bag or two, they came out, about 100 participants strong, on Saturday, April 19, for the Broad Channel Athletic Club’s (BCAC) Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The event, free and open to all, has been a Broad Channel tradition for more than 20 years, one which the BCAC stepped up and began running in 2003.

Though postponed for two consecutive Saturdays due to rain, the sun shone, and the weather turned out beautifully, as excited children eagerly awaited the arrival of the Easter Bunny at the BCAC Memorial Field in Broad Channel.

The rabbit of the hour sailed in in style aboard the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department (BCVFD) Engine 212, as the cry of “Easter Bunny!” could be heard amid the lights flashing and sirens wailing. BCAC President Joe Traegler had the honor of announcing his arrival as the fire truck rolled up to the field gate.

Dressed in natty blue jacket, colorfully patterned vest and tie, the Easter Bunny greeted the happy crowd before stepping up to the yellow tape that marked the start line of the BCAC Easter Egg Hunt. Like a shot, kids went off in all directions to gather brightly colored treats once it began.

“We have a Holiday Committee that gets together every year to stuff over 5,000 for the event,” said a BCAC spokesperson. Along with photos with the Easter Bunny, they stated, “We’ve started to add to the event each year by (also) having activities for the kids to do such as Easter themed crafts, coloring and even an egg decorating station.”

Yes, they confirmed, 5,000 plastic eggs filled with treats and surprises were deployed across the playing field and other play areas for children of all ages to find and enjoy.

The BCAC noted they usually schedule the event for earlier in the month, as many parents and children may be away for Easter week itself. However, they were pleased with Saturday’s turnout, with kids coming from Broad Channel, the Rockaways and elsewhere. The organization, a longstanding staple of the Broad Channel island community, thanked everyone who came, and all who donated and made the afternoon event a success. “And as always, the BCVFD makes sure our Bunny arrives safely to the event,” they noted.

Founded in 1961, the BCAC hosts a variety of sports activities for boys and girls all year-round including football, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and swimming. On Saturday, April 26, they will be celebrating this year’s Opening Day Parade and Ceremony marking the start of the new baseball/softball season.

The parade, with hundreds of young players, parents, families, neighbors and friends, will kick off at 9:30 a.m. from Broad Channel’s 17th Road Park. Proceeding up Cross Bay Blvd., it will end at the BCAC field for opening ceremonies, activities and practice ballgames for all teams.

 Photos by BCAC’s Bunny’s Helpers.