The Easter bunny will be coming around again this year and the Connection Newspapers had the chance to sit down with him and discuss many of the mysteries and wonders that he represents. To talk to him yourself you may attend the Douglass Community Center’s Brunch with Bunny, Friday, April 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. The event will includes fun, treats and a spring craft with the Easter bunny. Cost: $5 per person. Parent or guardian must pay and accompany child. Advance registration is required, call 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov.
How did you become the Easter bunny?
I am the only bunny that has a chicken and a rabbit for parents.
How do you get to all those houses? Magic?
I ride to all the houses on my trusty magic turtle, Mr. Zips.
Is it hard to hide all those eggs and baskets?
Nah, I am a master of hide-and-go-seek.
What do you do the rest of the year when you aren't preparing for the "big night?"
Go fishing and spend time with my family.
Have you ever been caught while hiding eggs?
Nope, I am a very clever and sneaky bunny.
How do you balance trying to make the egg hunt challenging enough for the children but not impossible to find all the eggs?
The harder I hide the eggs the brighter the colors I use.
Do you hide eggs differently for different age groups?
The older the children, the fewer the eggs and the duller the colors. The older ones need the challenge as the little ones light up just because they found an egg.
Why do some people not believe in you?
They have let go of their inner child and forgotten.
What's the best part of being a rabbit?
Having that little cottony tail.
Does it hurt when kids pull on your ears?
Would it hurt if I pulled on your ears. Nobody wants to have their ears pulled.
Do you support chocolate Easter eggs?
I support anything chocolate especially the new Reese's bunny and anything Cadbury.
<ro>The Bunny Unmasked
<bt>James L. Cox, a facility Supervisor at the Douglass Community Center, claims he is "the man behind the mask," though no verification of this statement could be confirmed since the Easter bunny was no longer available for comment. He also claims he answered the above questions too.
What is it like in that suit?
Very, very hot. Like wearing a portable sauna.
How did you get selected to be the Easter bunny?
I have the personality that fits playing any sort of woodland creature or character that children enjoy.
What is your favorite part of playing the Easter bunny? The worst?
Seeing the smiles that you bring to the faces of all of the li'l ones. The worst part is seeing the fear that the suit strikes, especially when I am trying to make them happy.
Ever played any other holiday characters?
Mainly the rabbit and the "big guy" (Mr. Claus), Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. Love to dress up in costume whether scary or funny.
What do you do the rest of the year at the community center when not portraying the Easter bunny?
Facility supervisor, substitute preschool and day care, teach classes and take camps on trips. When not doing these things, I am executing quality control and customer service to all that contact us.
What is your favorite type of Easter chocolate?
Hollow bunnies and the new Reese's bunny. Big fan of Reese's peanut butter and chocolate.
What is your favorite Easter tradition?
Spending time with my family and enjoying our time together and being thankful for all that we have.
Will you be back in the suit next year?
You will have to wait and find out.