Published April 22, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

THE LYNNFIELD EASTER BUNNI, portrayed by Wildewood Drive resident Brian Austin Jr., unwinds after a hard day of work with his daughters Madison (left) and Sophia Green. (Courtesy Photo)

LYNNFIELD — The mystery has been solved.

During the weeks leading up to Easter, the Lynnfield “Easter Bunni” was visiting homes throughout town while trying to spread cheer to local children and families who have been staying home due to the COVID-19 virus. But the question on everyone’s mind: Who was the Lynnfield Easter Bunni?

The answer was finally revealed on Tuesday, April 14, when Wildewood Drive resident Brian Austin Jr. announced in a reveal video posted on YouTube that he was the Lynnfield Easter Bunni.

“It has been a blast,” said Austin.

Austin recalled that he decided to become the Lynnfield Easter Bunni after he and his finance, Christine, were talking about how they were disappointed they couldn’t take their children to the mall to see the Easter Bunny this year due to the pandemic.

“She was saying it was sad that we weren’t going to have any pictures,” said Austin. “And I said let’s just buy a bunny suit and just do five houses to pay for it.”

Austin told the Villager he decided to have the Lynnfield Easter Bunni serve as a fundraiser in order to support his friends who are currently out of work due to the pandemic.

“I am going to donate personally to them, hopefully in the bunny suit,” said Austin. “I am also going to be making a donation to St. Maria Goretti. The rate for donations was $25, but some people donated more. Everyone has been incredibly generous.”

Austin recalled in the reveal video that he asked Christine to create a Facebook page for the Lynnfield Easter Bunni, which had 486 friends as of last week.

“It was funny,” said Austin. “This whole thing made people happy and made people laugh. I didn’t expect it to turn into this, but it was a blessing in disguise. It took my mind off the news and everything that was going on. It was a blessing seeing kids being so happy to see the Easter Bunny. It was just awesome.”

Austin told the Villager he found it amusing that someone called the police on him while he was hopping around on Wildewood Drive on Palm Sunday. The incident was featured in the April 8 edition of the Villager’s police blotter.

YOUNGSTER CAMERON AUSTIN plays with an egg that was given to him by the Lynnfield Easter Bunni on Easter Sunday. Cameron’s father, Wildewood Drive resident Brian Austin Jr., entertained the town while portraying the Lynnfield Easter Bunni. (Courtesy Photo)

“It was pretty comical,” said Austin about his police blotter appearance. “I couldn’t stop laughing.”

Austin said having the opportunity to entertain families, particularly children, was incredibly rewarding.

“The best part of this was seeing everyone laughing and smiling,” said Austin.

Austin also thanked Lynnfield High School senior Harlee Priestley for the support she provided. He noted she dressed up in a different bunny suit and visited a number of homes during the lead up to Easter.

“She was a Godsend because I didn’t want to turn anybody away,” said Austin. “She helped me out so much getting through the last three days of bunny visits with the weather and everything else. Thank you Harlee and the Priestley family for helping me organize it at the end. It was really awesome.”

Austin also thanked his friend Michael Palmer “for taking the rap for me.”

“For some reason, people in town thought it was either him or me,” said Austin. “Apparently our personalities are pretty similar, but I am a little crazier because I am the one wearing the suit. I owe Mike a couple of beers since he was being harassed for three weeks.”

Austin also thanked Christine for the support she provided.

“Without Mrs. Bunny, the organizational part wouldn’t have happened,” said Austin.

Austin thanked the community for the support they provided him over the three weeks leading up to Easter.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Austin. “I wish everyone health and happiness. We will all get through this. God bless you all.”

Austin told the Villager he is in the process of starting an entertainment business called All In One Entertainment. He anticipates the Lynnfield Easter Bunni will be involved with the new venture.