While others enjoyed the festivities that came with Easter weekend, Columbia-native Bryan Bishop, 33, saw the potential to make extra money for his family. From car dealerships to family parties, Bishop, the freelance Easter Bunny, bounced from gig to gig as he entertained all age groups during the holiday. In his hot bunny suit, Bryan was exhausted from the dancing, waving and posing for photos, but his love for his wife and three children kept his spirits up.
Bryan Bishop accepts a bouquet of dandelions from a two-year-old Sutton Shaffer during his first Easter gig in front of the Harley Davidson dealership. As Bryan never played a mascot, he was confused if he should talk or not.
Parents Andrea Wray, left, and Tyler Newsom, right, work together to fix the dress of their seven-month old daughter LaTyra before a portrait with the Easter Bunny at the Kia dealership. Freelance Easter Bunny Bryan Bishop had multiple responsibilities this weekend which included: taking pictures with kids, greeting customers at businesses, and even dancing.
Kingston Reaws, left, looks up to his father Bryan Bishop as Bryan chats with his parents outside one of his gigs at the Kia dealership. Throughout the weekend, Bishop had his oldest son assist him in order to give him some life lessons. “Talk to strangers,” Bishop said to Reaws. “Maybe not adult strangers yet, but always try to get to know people and build your network.”
Bryan Bishop, left, waves to passing cars as his son Kingston Reaws enjoys a complimentary coffee in front of the Kia dealership.
Bryan Bishop attempts to “get sturdy”, a type of dancing, to entertain children at an Easter Day family party. “I am too old to be getting that low,” Bishop said.
Bryan Bishop, center, entertains a rowdy group of kids during a family Easter party gig. Bishop said that the job of a mascot is more physically challenging than he thought; as he has to constantly entertain in a costume with poor ventilation and poor vision.
Bryan Bishop gives himself a moment to reflect before heading to his next Easter gig. Bryan, who works full-time as a custodian at an elementary school, aspires to be a digital creator, which includes making music, videos and photos.
Chaya Bishop finishes changing 3-month-old Zakari Bishop as Bryan Bishop caresses’ Zakari’s head before heading out to his last Easter Bunny gigs.
Surrounding by his parents Sharon and Maurice Bishop, his wife Chaya Bishop and three children, Bryan Bishop, center, smiles during grace before a late-night Easter dinner on April 9, 2023 in Columbia. The Bishops waited until the evening for Bryan and Kingston to get home so they could have Easter dinner as a family.