MANCHESTER – The Easter Bunny hopped on over to the township recently seeking out photo opportunities, greeting residents and passing out some spring cheer during a pre-Easter event held at Town Hall.
The Easter Bunny clearly knows his way around Manchester Township. He had a special place set up for him courtesy of the good folks of the township’s recreation department. He was greeted by a few town officials including Councilwoman Sandy Drake and Mayor Joseph Hankins.
This bunny is not bashful. He likes having his photo taken and he always shows up around the time of a church or community sponsored egg hunt. The rabbit also makes for a representative of spring and this year, that seemed welcome given the cold days and snowfall experienced this winter.
Recreation Director Tracy Lynch said “Manchester Township Recreation welcomed over 200 residents for a festive and fun-filled visit with the Easter Bunny. The venue was beautifully decorated with bright and cheerful spring décor, creating the perfect backdrop for the occasion.”
“Children had the opportunity to take special Polaroid photos with the Easter Bunny, capturing memorable moments from the day. Members of the Police Department were also on hand, greeting families and handing out goodies to the children, adding an extra touch of community spirit to the event,” Lynch added.
She noted that “each child participated in an exciting prize opportunity by reaching into a box to select a special egg for a chance to win a prize basket designated for their age group. In addition, every child left with a bucket filled with toy- and candy-filled eggs, along with popcorn to enjoy.”
The event was supported by Township employees who assisted throughout the day, as well as student volunteers from Manchester High School’s National Honor Society, whose help contributed to the event’s success.
Lynch remarked, “overall, the event was a wonderful celebration of the season and brought smiles to all who attended.”
Easter Bunny History
As to the holiday hare’s origin, the earliest mention of an egg-laying rabbit, (the “Easter Hare or Osterhase) is in Germany around 1680 to celebrate spring. The folkloric figure and symbol of Easter depicted as a rabbit who is often seen dressed with clothes – bringing Easter eggs. Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behavior at the start of the season of Eastertide.
If that sounds similar to a certain “naughty or nice” list made by Kris Kringle (AKA Santa Claus) you would be correct. As part of the legend, the creature carries colored eggs in a basket, as well as candy, and sometimes toys, to the homes of children.
The custom was mentioned in a German text from 1572, which translated as: “Do not worry if the Easter Bunny escapes you; should we miss his eggs, we will cook the nest.”
By the 1700s, German immigrants brought the tale to Pennsylvania where children built nests for rabbits to lay colored eggs (hence baskets and colored eggs).
It can be argued that these days, the bushy tailed bunny doesn’t actually lay the eggs, leaving that to a chocolate hen perhaps, and that he is simply the delivery being in much the same way Santa delivers toys during Christmas, leaving the actual toy manufacturing to the elves in his employ.
More is known about Kringle than his spring season counterpart but another thing they have in common is during their respective holiday season, they get around.
When asked about Manchester, the rabbit told The Manchester Times that he fully agreed with its description that is often referenced by Council Vice President James Vaccaro during council meetings, that the township is “the gemstone of the Jersey Shore.”
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