Talking tradition and egg hunts with the Easter Bunny. By Lindsay Lambert
Easter’s right around the corner, which means egg dyeing and hunting and baskets brimming with bright-colored candy and gobs of pastel plastic grass. The most quintessential of Easter icons, however, is the Bunny himself, who, on April 24, will once again be on hand in Salem at the Hawthorne Hotel’s annual Easter Buffet to visit with North Shore kids (and kids at heart). But first, Northshore scored some one-on-one time with the beloved Bunny, who took time out from his holiday preparations to answer a few pressing questions.
What’s the most common request you get from kids when asked what they want the Easter Bunny to bring them? Kids are so mature these days. It’s not like 50 years ago when kids wanted a yo-yo or chocolates. Today, they want Wii games and sports equipment. Sometimes, thought, they want a puppy or kitten.
Any particularly unusual requests? Sometimes, the kids want me to come home with them to spend the rest of the day.
What do you do in your down time (you know, when it’s not Easter)? Much like Santa and his Christmas schedule, my year starts right after Easter is finished. Sometimes, after a nice long nap, I like to go on vacation with my wife and children. Family bonding time is very important.
How many years have you been appearing at the Hawthorne Hotel’s Easter Buffet? It has been a long time, but I love visiting the hotel. The warmth and charm of the lobby and the restaurant is so great, and the people I meet there are so excited to be in such a legendary, historic hotel eating with their families.
What’s the best part about being the Easter Bunny? Being with all of the kids.
What’s your favorite Easter candy? Peeps.
What’s your favorite chocolate bunny? I like Russell Stover’s chocolate bunnies. They taste good and they have a low-carb version. I’m always watching my weight.
What’s your favorite Easter tradition? I love Easter egg hunts. It’s so much fun trying to find them. My wife is so good at putting them in very unusual places.
Where would your dream Easter egg hunt be held? Hmmm, after this winter, Fiji!