The Easter bunny was only one of the attractions at the annual Easter Show in North Bergen on Thursday, April 2. Equally popular was the long table manned by local artists painting children’s faces and providing temporary tattoos. Meanwhile the line for the 850 goodie bags snaked around the floor of the Recreation Center where the event was held.
Asked what was his favorite item in the goodie bag, Juan Morales, 8, answered quickly. “The ball!” With a big smile, he clutched the large, neon-bright toy.
Briannah Monzon, 7, had the same reaction, pulling out the ball first. Then she continued digging in the bag. “Ooh, there’s glasses!” she discovered, pulling out a pair of shades with flashing frames. “A book! Crayons! Chocolate!”
Edwin Martinez, 10, had no doubt what was the top item. “The chocolate,” he declared.
“I just want a little piece,” pleaded Kaylynn Sherlock, 7, wearing down her dad, James. Eventually dad gave in and shrugged in defeat.
“You gotta pick your fights,” he said, as his daughter snacked happily on a piece of chocolate. “Next she’ll tell me she’s starving.”
Divide and conquer
“This year’s Easter Show was a tremendous success and the hundreds of children and parents who attended all seemed to have a great time,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “It was a fun day for all and it’s always gratifying to see the smiles on children’s faces when they participate in township events like this one and the many others we have throughout the year.”
“This is my first time coming,” said Liliana Martinez, who attended with daughter Mia, age 1, and mom Rosa Rojas. “I found out through my brother. This is his second time. So this year I brought my daughter. It’s pretty cool.”
The Renteria family discovered the event through the town website. “We’re getting ready for the summer activities. We wanted to know when the signups were. That’s how we ran into it,” said dad Raul, attending with wife Sara and children Sophia, 5, Sam, 6, Mekella, 8, and Nicole, 9. “This is our first time. We’re going to go get on line to get our picture with the Easter bunny.”
Aaron Martinez was also attending for the first time, having moved to North Bergen recently. “It’s cool. Something for the kids to enjoy.”
“It gets everybody together and it’s something for the community… You get to know who’s your neighbor.” –Jason Delavina
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“We go to all these events,” said Jason Delavina about the town holiday celebrations. “The Christmas one, the Halloween one. I liked that one; that was awesome. It gets everybody together and it’s something for the community. And everybody gets to know one another. You get to know who’s your neighbor.”
Delavina was attending with Nina, 5, one of his four daughters. More accurately, he was holding her place in line while Nina cavorted across the vast gymnasium floor, playing with the hundreds of other child attendees.
“We come in with a plan and we break,” Delavina explained. He and his wife each took up places in separate lines to minimize the wait time.
It was a popular strategy. “We divide and conquer when we come,” said Alexandra Sherlock.
“We’re two mothers so she’s on the other line getting the goodie bag and I’m here getting the face painting,” said Yahaira Lopez, attending with daughter Valeria, 8, and her Mexican French Bulldog, Leo. Across the floor, her friend Sol Cardona was about to score a goodie bag with son Miguel, 8.
Face full of art
Among the face painters were several art teachers from the high school, including Steven Defendini and Ray Rodriguez, along with some of their talented students. Kids clustered around them, watching intently as elaborate images took shape on their friends’ faces.
Nina Delavina knew exactly what she wanted to wear home. “I’m gonna get a ladybug.”
Andrew Cedeno, 11, was enjoying the day, wearing familiar red and black webbing around his eyes. “I’m a big fan of Spider-Man,” he explained.
Younger brother Jose, 7, had a different logo across his forehead. “I like the Miami Heat,” he said with a wide grin.
“This is great,” enthused Helen Edwards, attending with the two kids. “The kids love it. Easter’s a beautiful thing.”
“I would like to thank Recreation Commissioner Hugo Cabrera and his department for putting on a great event and helping so many youngsters have a very happy Easter,” said Mayor Sacco.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.