Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
AT A DRIVE-BY Easter event on Saturday at VFW Post 3673 in Bessemer, the Easter Bunny prepares to blow one of many kisses while helpers hand out goody bags to occupants of passing cars on each side. From left are Angie Kaurala (waving), Amber Kaurala and Kristen Smith.
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer - For the second year in a row, VFW Post 3687 in Bessemer sponsored on Saturday a "COVID-friendly" celebration that organizers described as "an Easter egg hunt in a bag."
Billed officially as a community Easter event, the occasion went off without a hitch, with dozens of cars passing on each side of a table stocked for ongoing and efficient dispatch.
The Easter Bunny stood front and center, waving with both hands, throwing kisses, clapping, dancing, and occasionally pumping an arm as though leading a cheer. At times, the bunny even crossed both arms on its chest as though to simulate a safe hug.
As cars filed by, some kids called out excited greetings such as "Happy Easter Bunny!" or took pictures with their cell phones.
VFW Commander Donna Frello said that 1,500 plastic eggs had been prepared for the big day.
"We had 14 volunteers stuff the eggs and prepare the bags," said Frello, who added that the colorful sacks contained not only the stuffed eggs, but also a craft kit, candy and cookies.
"They were homemade by volunteers," said Kathy Jo Koval regarding the carefully wrapped cookies.
She was busy greeting cars and passing out the goodies, along with other volunteers such as Angie Kaurala and Judy Ruditis.
Amber Kaurala and Kristen Smith, who are members of the National Honor Society at A.D. Johnston Junior and Senior High School, also helped, along with others.
Throughout the distribution, some other helpers wheeled in reinforcements by way of a cart filled with even more bags.
Meanwhile, members of the Gogebic County Sheriff's office also stood by to guide traffic to the table positioned directly outside of the VFW entrance.
"It was a beautiful day," said the Easter Bunny. "I loved seeing all the kids. I missed them so much. I even got a few carrots."
The VFW normally has an indoor Easter party with a lunch, but has opted to play it safe as the COVID-19 pandemic still lingers throughout the region and the world.
