Hundreds enjoy Easter in Port Jeff

A giant rabbit led a crowd of more than 200 down Main Street in Port Jefferson for the 13th annual Easter parade sponsored by the village’s Chamber of Commerce.

The “giant rabbit” was actually one of the event’s organizers, Barbara Ransome, who donned a furry white suit with long ears for the occasion.

“It’s a noncommercial, hometown, walkable parade. Anybody can join in,” said Ransome before she hopped to the head of the crowd in front of Theatre Three.

Ransome was joined by Jacob Hashim, 8, and Fallon Frankenberger, 5, two children chosen to help lead the parade down to Harborfront Park.

“It’s going to be really fun,” said a smiling Frankenberger.

An Easter egg hunt at the parade’s end turned out to be more of an egg dash, as dozens of children scrambled over the grass to grab as many eggs as they could.

Little girls and boys in their Sunday best tumbled over the lawn to snatch the multicolored eggs filled with small toys and candy.

Ian Falese, 3, of Shirley, showed off a yellow egg and began to munch happily on the chocolate bunny inside.

His mother, Michelle, said her son was excited to be a part of the fun, “and it’s a beautiful day, pretty amazing,” she said as she looked up at the sun that warmed the afternoon into the high 70s.