San Manuel – Recently, the Easter Bunny, who came to San Manuel to check out the proposed site of the San Manuel Rotary Club’s Easter Blast, took a little time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions.Q: If the Easter Blast is going to be on April 4, noon – 3 p.m., then, why are you here, over two weeks early, going over the grounds of the San Manuel Softball field at the secretive hour of 1 a.m.?
A: Haha! You make it sound so sinister! What do you think I’m doing? I’m trying to see the best places to hide eggs, without any of the youngsters getting any clues!
Q: How did you get the job of being the Easter Bunny?
A: Every year, we all line up, in February, when nothing much is going on, down at the Holiday Heroes Union Hall, and, submit our applications.
Q: What, you mean for all the holidays? Like, Santa has to apply every year? Because, I thought …A: Oh no! Not that guy. He’s got tenure. The elves, though, they gotta re-up, every year.
Q: Can anyone apply?A: Well, you know .. you sort of got to fit the part. They won’t hire a dog to be the Easter Bunny, you know? But, of course, there have been Easter Chickens and Easter Puppies. That’s obvious. Just look at the dolls that represent them in your toy stores!Q: So, you just got the job of Easter Bunny this year?A: No. Oh, no, no! I’ve been the Easter Bunny for a very long time. See the gray in my whiskers? I can’t tell you how long, because, it’s all got to be very hush hush. We are representing an ideal, not like with Santa where it’s about an actual particular person. So, I can’t tell you when I was hired, and, I won’t be telling you when I move on and someone new takes over. I go apply every year, and, I’ll keep doing it, and, I’ll keep getting re-upped, being the one with the most experience, unless I feel it’s time to settle down and spend more time with my grandkids. Then, I’ll retire and let some young rabbit, with a strong spring to his step, take over.
Q: Will you be around during the San Manuel Rotary Club’s Easter Blast, to join in on the fun? They are planning face painting, free treats, music and lots more besides the egg hunt, you know? Though, of course, the hunt is the highlight of the event!A: Oh, I might be around. If so, I’ll be in disguise, so I can enjoy the day without having to spend it giving out autographs and producing more eggs. You know how it can be for celebrities! I just want a quiet, fun day and to be a normal person, having a good time, sometimes.
Q: But, you are a giant, talking rabbit, so …. ?A: So?Q: So, how does that work?
A: You’d be amazed what one can do with a hat!
On that note, the Easter Bunny picked up his basket of carrots ( a late night snack?) and hopped away. Will he be seen, again, or, hide in the shadows, unseen by human eyes, but, still loved for all he represents?
The San Manuel Rotary Club is having it’s Easter Blast on April 4, at the San Manuel Softball field, from noon – 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to listen to the music, buy food from vendors, and, join in so much fun with family and friends. Bring your lawn chairs, bring some extra cash for the things that are not free, and, keep your eye peeled, just in case. That stranger in a hat , beside you: check the size of his feet! He just might be the Easter Bunny!