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Easter Bunny greets families at Hawthorn Mall

The Easter Bunny came to Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills on Sunday for an at-capacity meet-and-greet event, kicking off a week of visits with the holiday icon.

The two-hour free event was a socially distanced photo opportunity encounter that drew more than 100 families.

"We have really had to be creative and reposition our events keeping our community and safety top of mind," said Tia Lindholm, the mall's events coordinator. "We are so happy we can offer a bit of normalcy to our families and community during this time."

Visitors could take pictures with the bunny using their own camera or cellphone at the Easter Bunny Selfie Station. Heather Longobardi of Wauconda was the first in line with her daughter Haylee Longobardi, 5, a preschooler.

"Thank you for doing all of these fun events and safely," Heather Longobardi told mall managers.

Longobardi said she wanted her daughter "just spend quality time with the family" at Easter.

The first 100 children to visit the Easter Bunny received a bunny headband and a gift bag containing a do-it-yourself craft.

All visitors 2 years and older were required to wear a mask.

"Seeing the kids' faces light up is such a joy especially during this time," Lindholm said.

"It's great to give back to our community."

The Easter Bunny will greet shoppers in the mall's springtime set through April 4.

Hawthorn Mall also will host an Easter egg Scavenger Hunt. from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 3. That event is open to Hawthorn Mall MyPerks members and their families

Five-year-old Haylee Longobardi of Wauconda spots the Easter Bunny Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Five-year-old Haylee Longobardi of Wauconda waves to the Easter Bunny Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Five-year-old Haylee Longobardi of Wauconda waves to the Easter Bunny Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
The Easter Bunny waves to children Sunday after arriving at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
The Easter Bunny waves to 5-year-old Haylee Longobardi of Wauconda Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Families visit with the Easter Bunny Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. The Easter Bunny event continues at the shopping center through Sunday, April 4. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Families visit with the Easter Bunny Sunday at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. The Easter Bunny event continues at the shopping center through Sunday, April 4. Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
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