Hawthorn Mall Announces Lineup Of Spring Events And Activities

Hawthorn Mall recently announced its lineup of family-friendly, fun-packed springtime activities. The shopping center’s spring events include meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, a soothing Easter Bunny experience for children with autism and other special needs, the shopping center’s second annual Bunny Rock 5K Run, an egg-stra special Easter egg hunt, and an after-the-5K party in Hawthorn Mall’s recently unveiled Center Park. Additionally, since sustainability practices are so important to Hawthorn Mall and its shoppers, the center will host an early Earth Day expo on April 18th with numerous planet-proofing opportunities and activities for all.

“As the new Hawthorn 2.0 unfolds, we’re growing and changing in so many new and exciting ways,” says Jenna Velelekos, Marketing Manager, Hawthorn Mall. “Something big is happening at Hawthorn Mall, and we invite everyone to come see our transformation as it takes place. From our beautiful indoor Center Park to an array of new retailers and an incredible lineup of fun-filled spring events and activities, Hawthorn Mall is becoming one of the area’s top retail, dining and entertainment destinations. Come see what’s different at Hawthorn Mall, and find out why we’re becoming our shoppers’ home away from home.”

Spring Events Schedule
From visits with the Easter Bunny to a rockin’ 5K race and “after party,” an egg-citing Easter egg hunt just for kids, and an Earth Day Expo extravaganza, there’s a lot to do at Hawthorn Mall this spring. For information on all upcoming events at Hawthorn Mall, visit the center’s events page here: www.shophawthornmall.com/events.

Meet the Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny will visit with children at his colorful springtime home in Macy’s Court on the Lower Level. Visits with the Easter Bunny are FREE of charge, and professional photos will be available for purchase. Children will receive a complimentary pair of bunny ears following their visit with the infamous Peter Cottontail.

• March 21st through April 11th in Macy’s Court on the lower level
• See www.shophawthornmall.com for times and additional details

Soothing Bunny Visit: Children with autism or other special needs who would enjoy a more soothing experience can meet the Easter Bunny in his springtime home in Macy’s Court during the quiet time before the mall opens on either of two Sundays: March 29th (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) or April 5th (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.). During this time, there will also be a kids craft activity. To limit distractions, the mall music will be turned off. To attend, an RSVP is required; click HERE beginning in March to RSVP. Parents and siblings are also welcome to attend and only one RSVP per family is required. Visits with the Easter Bunny are FREE of charge, and professional photos will be available for purchase. To learn more, visit www.shophawthornmall.com/events.

• Sunday, March 29th: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. in Macy’s Court on the lower level
• Sunday, April 5th: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in Macy’s Court on the lower level

Bunny Rock 5K Run, Easter Egg Hunt + After Party: The second annual Hawthorn Mall Bunny Rock 5K race will feature egg-stra special entertainment including ‘80’s rock music at the start and finish lines. Race participants will receive a pair of bunny ears, one pair of stylish sunglasses, and a runner’s t-shirt. Those who finish the run will also receive a finisher’s medal. Registration fees for the race start at $35 when entrants sign up online at www.bunnydash5k.com.
Following the race, there will be an Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 to 10 featuring more than 3,000 candy-filled eggs. A live petting zoo will round out the fun. Egg hunt participants receive bunny ears and sunglasses, an Easter egg basket and, of course, eggs (while supplies last). Fees for the Easter egg hunt start at just $10 when participants sign up online at www.bunnydash5k.com. A portion of the proceeds from the Bunny Rock 5K Run and the Easter egg hunt will benefit Reach Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue group.

Also following the race, Hawthorn Mall will host an after-party in the center’s newly unveiled Center Park. The party will include free small bites, face painting and retailer booths with special offers and giveaways. Complimentary beer sampling will be available to those over 21 with a valid ID. No RSVP or registration is required for the after-party event.

• Race: Saturday, April 4th, starting at 8:30 a.m. outside the mall in the Dave & Buster’s parking lot. Register in person or in advance at www.bunnydash5k.com.
• Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4th, at 9:45 a.m. in the Dave & Buster’s parking lot (weather permitting). Register in person or in advance at www.bunnydash5k.com.
• After Party: 10 a.m. in the mall’s Center Park; no RSVP or registration is required.

St. Baldrick’s Event: Hawthorn Mall invites the community to “Rock the Bald” at a fun-filled St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to raise money to help find a cure for childhood cancer. The event is held in cooperation with St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any other organization outside the U.S. government. During the event, which takes place Saturday, March 14th, guests will be invited to shave their head, volunteer or donate to the cause. Attendees will enjoy live music, face painting, raffles, kids activities, and more. One lucky shavee will receive a $100 shopping spree at Hawthorn Mall.

• Saturday, March 14th: Noon - 2 p.m. in Macy’s Court on the lower level

Earth Day Expo: Because sustainability and environmentally friendly practices have long been a key tenet for Hawthorn Mall, Earth Day takes on a special significance. To celebrate Earth Day, Hawthorn Mall will host an early Earth Day Expo extravaganza on Saturday, April 18th, that includes a contest for a $100 Hawthorn Mall shopping spree, a meet-and-greet and singalong with characters from “Villain Kids of the Isle,” a community painting event, a scavenger hunt, and several charitable drives held in cooperation with Ronald McDonald House, SWALCO, and Centennial. There will also be an animal adoption and information event hosted by Animal Education & Rescue as well as numerous FREE Earth Day activities and opportunities to impact the environment. To register, visit http://ow.ly/25Az30qhMEW; registration is requested, but not required. To learn more, visit www.shophawthornmall.com.

• Expo: Saturday, April 18th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Center Park on the lower level