By Julianne Cuba
These seniors had on their Sunday best!
About 100 young-at-heart seniors donned their most festive spring bonnets and hats for a “Bonnets Easter Sunday Tradition” contest judged by two real New York State judges and a police detective at the Vandalia Senior Center in East New York on April 6. The contestants, some close to turning a century-old, had the judges fooled with how old they truly were as they sprightly danced and paraded around the room, said the event’s host.
“The gentleman who came in third, he created his hat, he’s 90. No one believed he was 90, the judge said, ‘can I seem some ID?’ ” said state Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D–Canarsie). “It’s a great event for active adults — not seniors — when they were dancing, they are not seniors.”
The three judges selected the most dazzling Easter-ready bonnets and hats. Rosemary Stewart took home first place in the women’s category for her colorful handmade headpiece, topped with Easter eggs and flowers.
Everyone came out decked out in creativity, and are already planning for next year, said Persaud.
“The bonnets and outfits were just to be expected, people put a lot of effort into creating their look. That’s what we are looking for,” she said. “The judges are all ready to go again for next year and the seniors are looking forward to it.”
