ATHOL — Alex Blake, Senior, did his best to practice social distancing as, dressed as the Easter Bunny, he greeted motorists and pedestrians traveling along Main Street in Athol, but some children and adults alike couldn’t resist sidling up close for a picture opportunity. It seemed to be an outward sign of the physical contact and light moments people are craving at a time of fear and uncertainty.
Asked why he decided to spend much of Friday and Saturday afternoon dressed in a hot costume, waving at those on four wheels or two feet, Blake said matter-of-factly, “Coronavirus.
“It’s taken away from the little kids, and I just wanted to bring Easter back. There’s no Easter Bunnies in the stores, no Easter egg hunts, nothing.
“I get a lot of people tooting, stopping and taking pictures. Because of social distancing, I really can’t take pictures with them, but I have a few people sneak up on me. So, I just let them take the picture.”
Blake, who owns his costume, said he has played the Easter Bunny several times for events at the Orange Armory and Athol Town Hall.
An Athol native, Blake, who has grandchildren of his own, said he left high school to join the military and spent 11½ years serving his country.