Sunday March 25th, the West Babylon Fire Department hosted their Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, located at West Babylon Fire House Headquarters from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. 
Tickets were sold at the front doors, $8 for adults and $5 for kids.
This breakfast has been recurring in the West Babylon community for 10+ years, for the last 7, Ken Osmen, the chairman of the committee, has been running this show. This breakfast is just one of the many opportunities for residents of West Babylon to know what their resources are, gain a sense of community, and get to know their neighbors.
“People love coming to the firehouse. We do a lot of breakfasts, like our Breakfast with Santa, but our Easter Breakfast is our biggest one yet. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the community and it’s for a good cause” Vinny Senzamici, member of W.B.F.D (top right photo, right).
Upon walking in and purchasing a ticket, breakfast goers were led into a room where they were served pancakes, sausage, and coffee/juice. At that time, visitors could have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny who sits in his chair, waiting to meet all the excited children. Hunter Flindt (4, Left) Gabriel Bocanegra (6, Right) in leftmost photo below.
After breakfast, patrons were encouraged to visit the area that is usually where the firetrucks are housed, but instead on this special day, is where all the activities are set up. Face painting by Rainbow Rosie, music from WBAB, NYS Masonic Child ID Program, and of course Sparky, riding around in his very own firetruck, greeting all the kids were the events included in the ticket price.
Rainbow Rosie was at the event to paint the kids faces, twist balloons and put smiles on everyone’s faces. Her 4th year coming to the Easter Breakfast, Rosie continues to contribute to the local community.
The NYS Masonic Child ID Program, run by Janet and George Lucas, attended this event to be able to help the children stay safe in case of any emergency. By taking a photo, fingerprint, and medical history, help identify a child in danger.
Throughout this lighthearted, fun event, the community’s reaction was encouraging. “The Fire Department does a lot which strengthens the community. More events like these would be beneficial to strengthen the sense of community” Coleen Sarano and Lillyanne (3).
Overall the response was that this event brought a sense of community where they live, and they love seeing friendly faces at these events, it creates a safer ambiance within the town they reside in. Children especially loved the rubber duckies they got to bring home along with their very own fireman hat.