Parker and Margaret Byers, ages 7 and 3
As I step through the sliding glass doors, my nose is blasted with a blend of perfumes, new cloth, and faux plants; I’ve entered the ever-so-familiar department store ecosystem. On this warm Saturday morning, JCPenney in Collin Creek Mall seems to have an extra bit of energy, as store clerks are busy herding customers through the maze of glittering glass countertops and rows of metal racks that are outfitted with spring designer duds. A young girl clasps her mother’s hand tightly as they weave through the make-up section and step into the entrance of the mall. The click-clack sound of the young girl’s sparkly pink flip-flops fades as the pair disappears into a sea of pastels.
Just beyond JCPenney’s walls lies a massive structure that’s bursting with hot pinks, baby blues and sunshine yellows. These bright colors are swirled on an enormous wooden cutout and serve as the backdrop for the main attraction at Collin Creek today: the Easter Bunny. At 11:00 a.m. there’s already a long line of parents and their children eager for his arrival.
The “Bunny Nest,” as it’s referred to in light-green bubbly type on the upper-left corner of the backdrop, showcases a large white chair and protruding purple and pink faux flowers. The “nest” is slightly elevated by risers that are covered by an enormous white sheet. The photographer, a lanky man with curly salt-and-pepper hair peeking out from under his black ball cap, has already set up his tripod and reflector. He kneels down to collect the order forms for pictures and collectibles such as mugs and t-shirts.
Among those anxiously waiting in line are Mindy Byers and her two children, Parker and Margaret.
“We’ve been up since 7:30 because Parker was so excited to see the Easter Bunny. The first thing he said when he opened his eyes was, ‘I can’t wait to give Mr. Easter Bunny a hug,'” Byers says looking down and smoothing her son’s sandy blond hair.
Parker, 7, is no rookie when it comes to the Easter Bunny. He proudly shows his purple and gold Easter egg basket that contains two miniature race cars and a red Angry Birds stuffed animal.
“I’m gonna tell the Easter bunny this is my basket so he doesn’t put girly stuff in it like he did last year,” Parker said.
Mindy gives a knowing look and giggles under her breath.
Grasping tightly onto Mindy’s leg is her 3-year-old daughter, Margaret, a dark-haired child with beautiful big blue eyes. She has never seen the Easter Bunny before and looks a bit uneasy about his big debut.
“She’s my ‘fraidy cat. You should have seen her with Santa. She freaked when…” Mindy starts as she is suddenly cut off by the appearance of a large white creature that is poking its head out from behind the backdrop.
The chunky Bunny costume has instantly caught the gaze of many children, some whose mouths are gaping. The excitement rises as “oohs” and “aahs” ring out among the crowd. The bunny-man makes his way across the stage, past the fake flowers, and waves his fluffy hand. The bunny lets out a laugh and shouts, “Hello everyone!” as he rubs his shiny pink belly. This Easter bunny has enormous happy eyes, pink fuzzy ears and a button nose. He’s also sporting an oversized orange felt carrot with long green strands sprouting from the top. He is quite the sight to see.
The photographer ushers the first batch of kids is up to the stage. The mother waits off to the side as her three children climb willingly up onto the bunny and smile for the camera. The bunny makes quick conversation with the three small tots and then the photographer guides them off the stage. The line has gotten much longer now, with nearly 30 children waiting for their turn.
“The past few weekends the bunny has been here it has been super busy but great for the store because it drives tons of traffic,” says Jessica Martinez, a JCPenney employee. “Our sales always go up around this time because customers have to walk through or past us.”
A group of children say their sad goodbyes to the bunny as a woman carries her 18-month-old daughter, Alyssa, up the risers. The woman gently places the child on the lap of the bunny. She appears to be a happy baby until the bunny exclaims, “Hi Alyssa!” The child shoots her mother a look of pure terror and lets out a shriek that echoes through the JCPenney court. Children in line suddenly halt their horseplay to see what the commotion is about. Parents wait to see what the mother will do about her frantic baby.
“Take the picture,” the mother says, waving her hand to the photographer. “She’ll wanna see this later on in life.”
With that, a bright light flashes, causing Alyssa to elevate the pitch of her scream, and her mother whisks her off the stage. The pair makes their way over to a nearby bench where the mother coos to tear-streaked Alyssa, attempting to put her at ease.
“I was the same way when I was her age. I have hysterical pictures from my childhood where I am screaming on Santa’s lap,” says the mother, Shelley Kelly. “I’ve continued the tradition because they make for the best memories and scrapbook pages.”
Back in the line, children are hesitant to approach the stage after hearing the screech of one of their fellows. The air calms after a few minutes and laughter comes once again from the multi-colored stage.
The Easter Bunny finishes his first round of posing for pictures and chatting with the children around 1:00 p.m. and hops off the stage for a break. There is sure to be a long line of parents and rowdy children waiting for this mythical creature when he returns from the Collin Creek Mall’s food court.
