Community gathers for VFW Post 4203’s annual Easter celebration

ROCKINGHAM — The VFW Post 4203-Rockingham brought families together once again for its annual children’s Easter party, a community favorite filled with excitement, laughter and activities such as the highly anticipated Easter egg hunt.

“My children have been coming here for 30 years, so now it’s really great for me to give back after my children grown and I can still be a part of this 30 years later. I’ve been bringing my children here and it’s a great community event to bring us all together with our Easter bunny,” said Robin Roberts, VFW Auxiliary President.

Children enjoyed a festive hot dog lunch accompanied by sweets like a bunny cake and candy, followed by a variety of activities tailored for them. The Easter egg hunt was divided into age-specific sections, and a dance competition brought extra energy to the celebration. Families also had the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Easter bunny.

Roberts credited Quartermaster Vernon Labore for organizing the day’s festivities and his continued efforts with children’s events. “he’s the one all behind the kids events.”

Beyond the fun and games, the event also served as a testament to the strong volunteer spirit behind the Post’s programs.

“We have Beta Club kids, REaCH kids here. I have a lot of volunteers and we make it happen and it’s good to see everybody/the community supporting the VFW and always supporting our events, especially for the kids,” said Roberts.

Labore emphasized that the event is about creating joy and memories for the children.

“To get along and have fun with each other. We let them go, do whatever they want as long as they do it safely,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Post is already preparing for its next major event.

“On June 28 we’ll have our annual Kids Jam, which he is a spearhead for that. That’s our big event with the jumpy houses, bringing all the municipalities together and we look forward to that and all our kids events,” Roberts added.

The VFW also continues its support for deployed service members.

“We’re also doing our care packages. Our unit got moved again to Kuwait, so we’re waiting on their APO address so we can send those out and that would be hopefully in the next six weeks. We’ll make a big announcement about that so the community, the churches and all the organizations can come down here and help put the packages together, make ‘thank you’ cards and give back to our soldiers that are deployed,” Roberts said.

Those interested in lending a hand are encouraged to get involved.

“Anybody is always welcome to come help here. All they have to do is come to the Post and if we have an event coming up and they want to volunteer, all they have to do is come to the Post and let us know and we’ll give them the information,” said Roberts.

Roberts offered a warm message to the community: “We hope everyone has a safe Easter. Remember the reason for the season. We always try to incorporate the pledge and the prayer and God being first and kids having a great time.”