No hunt, but lots of waves, as Bunny and friends usher in spring tradition

April 4, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

Sunday may be Easter, but Saturday was the Easter Bunny’s day in the spotlight in downtown Waterbury. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Waterbury Rotary Club joined by some Waterbury Fire Department members set up a COVID-safe drive-though visit with the Easter Bunny and friends at Pilgrim Park. Photo by Gordon Miller

Many youngsters were enthusiastic at a safe distance. Photo by Gordon Miller

This is even fun for grownups. Photo by Gordon Miller

Is this the Easter Bunny version of ‘Simon Says’? Photo by Gordon Miller

There’s a skeptic in every bunch. Photo by Gordon Miller

Some unbuckled to get a little reassurance at the unfamiliar scene. Photo by Gordon Miller

Others came decked out to celebrate. Photo by Gordon Miller

Photo by Gordon Miller

Of course Santa Claus joined in - the Bunny didn’t miss Santa’s drive-through in December. Photo by Gordon Miller

Maybe the parade and egg hunt will return in 2022. Photo by Gordon Miller

There was plenty of sunshine and no shortage of youngsters who managed to coax their parents and even some grandparents to make it to the Waterbury Rotary Club’s 2021 twist on the annual Easter parade, egg hunt and visit with the larger-than-life Bunny himself this weekend.

Given ongoing restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19, the traditional parade and mass hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy treats shifted to a more orderly procession in vehicles with treats handed out safely from a distance. But the Easter Bunny was still enthusiastic and happy to greet everyone who slowly made their way through the loop at Pilgrim Park in downtown Waterbury on Saturday morning.

The Bunny was joined by some other costumed friends. And, reciprocating the gesture from December, his invitation to Santa Claus was a success. (Santa included the Bunny at his drive-by Rotary event in Rusty Parker Park a few months ago.) Perhaps next time we see these magical friends, things will be more normal.

Thanks to photographer Gordon Miller for attending and documenting.