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By Dawn Burleigh

Traditions may have been reworked and reinvented this holiday, but one tradition hopped right into the city of Orange for an early visit on Wednesday.

The Easter Bunny was spotted hopping along 16^th Street, waving at passing cars, while visiting with Mayor Larry Spears Jr. at the Orange City hall.

The two in the spotlight as they read stories on film in a video released on Good Friday since the City of Orange’s annual Easter Egg Hunt was canceled this year.

However, Bunny did not allow it to damper the mood.

Bunny agreed to answer a few questions before heading home to finish preparing for Easter Sunday.

“I have lots of baskets to fill and eggs to hide,” Bunny said.

According to some sources, the Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and transported their tradition of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Their children made nests in which this creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread across the U.S. and the fabled rabbit’s Easter morning deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other types of candy and gifts, while decorated baskets replaced nests. Additionally, children often left out carrots for the bunny in case he got hungry from all his hopping, according to history.com.

For Bunny, it was important to visit Orange this week to help bring smiles to the residents.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Orange, Texas because the people are always so kind when I visit,” Bunny said. “They always leave me carrots and Easter treats – those are my favorite!”

Bunny also was willing to giveaway information on the best spots to look for eggs.

“My favorite hiding places for eggs are probably in a garden or bushes, because my eggs look so pretty next to bright flowers,” Bunny said with a wink.

Being the Easter bunny is a big job, but even a bunny needs a mentor. For Bunny, a famous rabbit offered inspiration when asked which famous rabbit does he look up too?

“Oh my, that’s tough! There are times I wish as much energy as my uncle, the Energizer Bunny but man, what I wouldn’t give to have moves like Bugs,” Bunny said.

And for those wondering, yes Easter bunny does like chocolate Easter bunnies.

“Chocolate bunnies are yummy! Although, I typically go for peeps and carrots instead,” Bunny said.

And what color peeps are his favorite? Bunny quickly replied with pink!

But the tough question asked concerned a different hare.

Who was quicker: the tortoise or the hare?

“The hare was quicker, but we can’t take the win away from our friend, the tortoise,” Bunny said with a smile before hopping home to dye some more eggs for Easter morning.