by Rachel Hunter
The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department presented the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, at the Oxbow Community Park in Oxbow. The event has tradition for many North Country families in advance of the Easter holiday.
Oxbow Fire Department President Mike Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that over 700 plastic eggs had been filled with candy for the event, thanks to generous contributions made from Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department members, local businesses and community members. Firefighters placed the candy-filled eggs around the Oxbow Community Park. There were three age groups, 0-4 years of age, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years. Many North Country youth gathered in advance of the event and enjoyed the playground and adjacent grounds at the Oxbow Community Park.
At 1 p.m., Oxbow Fire President Mike Manning encouraged the growing crowd to look as Oxbow’s Fightin’ 33 with its lights flashing and piercing siren announced the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Excited youth jumped up and down and a few squeals let loose as the firefighters helped the Easter Bunny from the fire truck to greet the local families. From hugs to handshakes, the Easter met many of the local youth before the Easter Egg Hunt commenced.
The crowd then spread out to the three designated sections in the Oxbow Community Park as the age groups were determined. North Country families encouraged the young children to pick up as many candy-filled eggs as they could find, as only a select few held a special prize. The countdown began, and all at once the youth ran in glee to collect the eggs. Some placed their eggs in an accompanying bag or basket, but others gathered their newfound treasures in their shirts or jackets.
Once the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt was completed and all eggs hidden at the Oxbow Community Park had been found, many North Country families took advantage of the opportunity for some photos with the legendary Easter Bunny.
Much gratitude was extended to all those involved in making this a great community event for the local youth ahead of the Easter holiday.
This was just one of many community events presented by the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department throughout the year.
Just recently, President Mike Manning said that the Oxbow Fire Department hosted the Fightin’ 33 No Foolin’ You Chicken Barbecue in Saturday, April 1, which was sold out within two hours, due to the tremendous community support.
The Oxbow Fire Department is looking forward to welcoming the North Country to the Oxbow Community Park on Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the Cruising to Father’s Day Craft Fair and Classic Car Show. President Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that an anticipated 300 cars will be in attendance. There will also be a craft fair, bounce house, cornhole, live music by the Midnight Flyer Band, Chicken BBQ (at the fire station, noon), and so much more. Details will be reported as they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.
The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department is also planning to hold virtual benefit auctions in May. Check the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page for information on these and other upcoming community events in Oxbow.