Levittown residents suffering with a severe case of cabin fever this winter found the perfect antidote at the community’s 13th annual WinterFest on Feb. 15.
It truly did seem to be just what the winter-worn public needed. “This year was an even bigger turn out than usual. Maybe our biggest yet,” proudly proclaims Tom Kohlman, co-president of the Levittown Community Council, which hosts the free event at Levittown’s Town Hall.
Hundreds turned out in droves for food, fun and entertainment, including some show stopping moments by the Levittown Nassau P.A.L. Twirlers, with a song by 17-year-old Allison Johnson. Junior and senior competitive dancers from Nancy’s Dance Factory strutted their stuff for the crowds, and children were on the edge of their seats during the reality defying moments of Magician Bill Reid’s magic show.
Outside of their audience seats there was plenty to entertain the little ones with a variety of activities and an abundance of arts and crafts. Lines were stretched nearly as long as a Disney theme park line for Balloon Art, created by MacArthur High School senior Curtis Riccio. “I’m making dogs, flowers, swords and hats,” Riccio says with a smile. Another smiling face, 3-year-old Andrew Hunt who just had his face painted, “I’m a Lion.”
There was plenty for the adults too. Free raffles were held throughout the day with up to 50-prizes donated. “WinterFest is all made possible by the generous donations from dozens of our local businesses,” states recording secretary and past president of the
Levittown Community Council Louise Cassano. Cassano says the council also helps fund the event with membership dues.
For the adults in touch with their inner child a stop at the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers model train table was a must, “We are all just big kids,” laughs club president Bob Trnka. The Levittown Library was on hand giving out free books, and the Levittown
Historical Society answered questions about its museum filled with facts about the history of Levittown. The Wantagh Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps offered free blood pressure screenings while proudly proclaiming its record of the best response time in all of Nassau County.
It was also a day to give back. WinterFest attendees were encouraged to arrive with donated food items to help replenish area food banks. It’s an issue close to the heart of Kiwanis Club President Glen Lachow. “There are so many people in need. We are proud to serve the Levittown community.” The club raises money for food banks, college scholarships its “Adopt-A-Family” program and to send six children in need to “Kamp Kiwanis” each summer.
Capping the day was the Super Raffle. Hopeful winners bought tickets for four prizes, including the grand prize, a 40-inch flat screen television donated by Jay’s Appliances.
The Levittown Community Council with its mission to spread pride and unity in Levittown says WinterFest 2014 did just that. “We hold the event to bring the community together. It was another great success,” says Louise Cassano.
