Easter Sunday, April 20, at 1 p.m. the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's 48th annual Easter Vintage Car Parade will step off on Franklin Avenue at Tenth Street. The gala event is sponsored by Roslyn Savings Bank and directed by George Nigohosian (Bonaventure Bridal & Tuxedo) and Joseph Battaglia, CFP.

Some 300 antique, classic and special interest cars from all over the metropolitan area are expected to participate in the lineup, along with the Kiwanis Easter bunnies in the lead. Adding to the aura of times past will be the NexTime Barbershop Quartet, entertaining at selected areas to be announced. The traditional Kiwanis Easter bunnies will greet the little ones with lollipops at the exhibit following the parade.

Interested spectators are welcome to preview the cars at the staging area in Field 9E, between Tenth and Eleventh Streets, before the parade. However, they will have to find parking spaces either behind 855 Franklin Avenue (home of Commerce Bank, Viking Culinary Arts and New York Sports Club) or across the street.

The spectacle, which began in 1956, has become a traditional Easter Sunday event, drawing families and vintage car buffs from all over Long Island and the metropolitan area. Adding to the festivities will be Kings Supermarket on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Ninth Street, plus, elegantly costumed representatives of Ms. New York Senior America, who will join the lineup.

The Garden City Police Department has advised that Stewart Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Franklin and Hilton Avenues during the festivities, and asks that spectators not attempt to park in Field 7N across from village hall, which is reserved for the car exhibit and awarding of trophies.

There will not be a rain date. Recorded announcement in case of cancellation due to heavy rain will be heard on the chamber telephone line (746-7724) after 10:30 a.m.