Chamber Stages 53
53rd Easter Vintage Car Parade

Mahalo Health Spa and Natural Organic Café exhibited many of their products including an array of their special elixirs. Pictured are Steven and Vivian Chu, owners, along with Linda Song.

It was the earliest Easter Sunday in some years, but nevertheless, Mother Nature came through with bright sunshine, although a bit cooler than desired for the Chamber's 53 rd annual Easter Vintage Car Parade on March 23. Hundreds of vintage and classic specimens rolled down Franklin Avenue and up Seventh Street in all their spectacular glory. Acknowledged as "Long Island's king of car parades," the event was the opening day for car enthusiasts throughout Long Island, the metropolitan area and beyond. The good news is: Easter won't be in March again until 2013!

They don't come much older than this specimen belonging to the Sam Greco family. The renowned Greco family, traditionally costumed in period attire, and always boasting the parade's oldest cars. Chamber president Roger Eltringham, the Kiwanis Easter Bunnies and John Mesloh, long-time parade participant with seven of his classic cars entered in the parade. The Kiwanis Easter Bunnies (Marissa Burdi and Samantha McHugh and friend. Garden City High School Key Club volunteers, Andrew (12 Garden City Police officers in charge:Sgt. Bill Pitito (left) and Inspector Ken Jackson. Not pictures was Detective Rich Pedone. The Banjo Rascals, Easter Parade regulars, strum out their "toe-tappin'" tunes in front of HSBCBank, entertainment sponsor. Volunteers Nancy Robinson Long, Nancy Adamson; Jennifer Poupis and Diesel checked in the cars. King's Supermarket's mascot, Kingsley Bear (staffer Eddie Sarante) with Karlita Rojas also a King's staffer. Wow! How special is this?! The Kiwanis Easter Bunnies (Marissa Burdi and Samantha McHugh) delighted the youngsters with lollipops and picture taking. Another antique beauty! The Greco family's 1910 Baker Electric, oldest car in the parade. The Hempstead Fire Department's Chemical Company antique specimen. This motorcycle bunny who distributed teddy bears for the kids poses with Nancy Robinson Long, volunteer. They don't make 'em like this anymore! An "olden day" pick-up truck. One of the vintage beauties in the lineup before the parade. Helping to check in cars was Jennifer Poupis and Diesel, fondly known as the "Chamber mascot." Personal Training Studio exhibitors offering goodies galore and special offers were Deb Farrell and Jeff Griggs. John Cantwell, owner of Taste Restaurant had an array of specially baked delectable "popovers" available under the canopy. Showcase exhibitors for Citibank with plenty of "hand outs" were (L-R) Darren Burdi, Abraham Hanna and Randi Nyer. Bert Donley, musical MC entertains on the Town of Hempstead's Snowmobile.