Latest news with #SpringBunny
Chicago Tribune
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Hundreds go in search of plastic eggs at early Easter event in Mundelein; ‘Fostering a sense of connection, joy and community spirit'
Real eggs are costly these days at your local grocery store, so about 11,000 filled plastic eggs stood in Saturday as the sought-after prizes at an early Easter egg hunt in Mundelein. The Mundelein Park and Recreation District's annual Cottontail Trail attracted nearly 400 registrants at the Dunbar Recreation Center at Community Park. 'It's always wonderful to see families come together, and we're grateful for the opportunity to highlight the joy and connections this event creates,' district cultural arts and events supervisor Amy Langille said. 'While we've been planning spring egg events for many years, this is the Mundelein Park and Recreation District's fourth year of Cottontail Trail and it continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of connection, joy and community spirit,' she said. While the Spring Bunny was present for photo opportunities, also greeting children this year was Mundy Lion, the district's new mascot. There were high-fives and family photos as Mundy Lion said hello to youngsters at the entrance in the large gym where community sponsors had tables with giveaways. First in line for the first wave of attendees was Jaylin Flores, 4, of Mundelein. Her mother Cristina Brito hoped for Jaylin, 'just to have fun' at the springtime holiday. Sofia Brennan of Mundelein, 2, chased bubbles outside after navigating the inside trail with parents Nik and Viviana. Nik Brennan said his hopes for Sofia this holiday are, 'She really enjoyed the Easter Bunny last year so just the smiles she gets out of it.' Community sponsors included the Mundelein LGBT Alliance and Allies. Mundelein LGBT provided bright rubber duck toys. 'It's just being part of the community, and getting out in the springtime and seeing all the kids and families and being part of something really cool,' said Susan Goedke, who staffed the Mundelein LGBT table. Before youngsters went outside after the trail, they could meet the Spring Bunny for photos and pet leashed dogs available for adoption. Staffing the dog adoption informational table was Mike Myers of Reach Rescue of Mundelein. 'For the rescue, it's great for the dogs,' he said. 'It gives them exposure. Who doesn't like puppies?' Miss Mundelein 2024 Natalia Gutierrez, 18, a senior at Mundelein High School, was on hand for photo opportunities and handed out small bags of fruity, spring-themed nutritional snacks. 'I love seeing all the kids here, and just talking to them and kind of showing them what they can do,' she said. 'I know we have such a diverse community here in Mundelein. It's so important for them to see people in positions such as mine to know that when they're older, they can do the same thing.' Children used the playground and participated in a raffle for holiday baskets. There was also a petting zoo where a friendly duck seemed to have its own fan club. Katrina Block of Mundelein and children Annabelle, 9, and Lilyann, 10, hoped to win a basket with a colorful stuffed animal. Annabelle and Lilyann also visited the petting zoo. Both siblings wore festive holiday headbands with two bunnies each on hopping springs. Annabelle wore pink and Lilyann wore purple. 'We picked number two,' Annabelle said of the preferred basket to win. All three family members liked basket number two and hoped one of their names would be pulled. 'We all put it in the same, hoping for better results,' Katrina Block said with a laugh. 'I like the bright colored bunny. It looks soft and cute.'
Chicago Tribune
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Springtime, Bunny events hopping in the north suburbs
North suburban park districts and other organizations are offering plenty of spring and bunny events, egg hunts, tastings, celebrations and more. Friday, April 4 Beyond Bubbles: Sparkling Wine, 6 to 7 p.m., Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe. An effervescent evening dedicated to the world's finest sparkling wines—crafted beyond the borders of Champagne yet rivaling its elegance, complexity, and prestige. Ages 21+. $40 for residents, $50 for non-residents. Sign up at Saturday, April 5 EID Celebration, 2-5 p.m., Weber Leisure Center, 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie. Celebrate the end of the fasting period with three hours of fun for the whole family! Enjoy henna tattoos, face painting, bounce houses, ice skating at the Skatium Ice Arena and much more. Free admission. Fee for some activities. Sunday, April 6 Skokie's Spring Greening, 10 a.m.–1:45 p.m., Westfield Old Orchard, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. This extensive reuse and recycling drop-off event is located in two separate parking lots on the west side of the shopping center. Visit for acceptable items. Wednesday, April 9 April Job Fair, 4 to 6 p.m., Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette. Join the Wilmette Park District team for Summer 2025. Explore positions, meet our team, schedule an interview. Free. Friday, April 11 Chase a Goat, 4 to 5 p.m., Shelton Park, Glencoe. Our silly run for kids and adults is back with a one-kilometer course and a fleeing goat. Free. All ages. Sign up at Saturday, April 12 Brunch with the Bunny, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Enjoy brunch, crafts, activities, a visit from the Spring Bunny and, for the first time, an egg hunt. Tickets $35 per person for residents and $45 for nonresidents. Children under 2 are admitted for free. Register at Doggie Egg Hunt, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., West Elm Park, 1155 Elm St., Winnetka. Dogs will hunt for treat-filled eggs and get their picture taken with the bunny. Small and large dogs have different time slots.$10 per dog for residents/$15 per dog for non-residents. Register at Bunny Brunch, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Dr., Wilmette. Enjoy brunch with the Easter Bunny before or after the Easter Egg Hunt. Resident $23, non-resident $26. Register at Children's Egg Hunt, 10:30 a.m. (check-in 9:45-10:25 a.m.) Gillson Park, Michigan Avenue and Lake Avenue, Wilmette. Children ages 1-10 can hunt for colorful eggs filled with candy and toys. Groups are divided by age. R-$10 / NR-$14. Register at Doggie Egg Hunt, 11:00 am (check-in 10:45-11:00 am) Gillson Park, Michigan Avenue and Lake Avenue, Wilmette. Bring your dog to sniff out eggs filled with treats! This event is for dogs and their handlers (18 & up). Bring a bag or basket. Resident $10 / Non-resident $14. Register at Thursday, April 17 Teen Glow Egg Hunt, 8 to 9 p.m., Melvin Berlin Park, Glencoe. Search the park for springtime treats and treasures. A few eggs will contain certificates for larger prizes. Free. Grades 5-8. Saturday, April 19 Breakfast with the Bunny, 9:30 to11 a.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie. Our furry friend will be on hand to pose for pictures. Event includes a hot buffet breakfast, Exploritorium playtime, crafts and a private egg hunt for event-goers only at 11a.m. Spring Egg Hunt, 10 to 11 a.m., Kalk Park, Glencoe. Bring your basket and get ready for an egg hunt. We're hiding eggs filled with surprises for kids AND dogs. After the hunt, join in activities, games, and photos with the Spring Bunny. Free. All ages. 52nd Annual Winnetka Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Little Duke Field, 1321 Willow Rd., Winnetka. Hunt for eggs, visit with the bunny, see the petting zoo and play on inflatables. $20 residents / $30 Non-Residents. Register for your child's age group at Outdoor Egg Hunt, 10 to 10:01 a.m., Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie. The egg hunt will be divided into three sections based on age and begins promptly at 10 a.m. The event will last no more than a minute, so don't be late. Bring your own basket! No registration required. Earth Day at Keay, 10:00 a.m. to noon, Keay Nature Center, Hibbard Road and Skokie Boulevard, Wilmette. Celebrate Earth Day with a family nature walk, crafts, snacks. No RSVP needed. Free.
