Meet Michael Bisbee, The Woodlands Township’s official Easter Bunny

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Serving his community in a one-of-a-kind way is Michael Bisbee, local realtor, father of two and official Easter Bunny of The Woodlands Township.

See the lawn decorations the Bisbee family created for their neighborhood.

Michael, his wife Elizabeth and their two daughters moved to The Woodlands from Florida almost three years ago, and once they moved into their home, Michael immediately got to work contributing to the community through a neighborhood beautification project. They lived near a cul-de-sac that needed grooming, and Michael tackled the task head-on. He dug out dead tree stumps, removed dying plants and foliage, built a path and planted wild grasses. The four-month project worked, and he had constructed a new community of friends.

“I’ve always volunteered,” Michael said. “I’ve always tried to help and do anything that I can.”

Bringing neighborhoods together is not new to Michael. While living in Florida, he dressed up as the Easter Bunny for his daughters and the community. His wife said their daughters have taken Easter Bunny photos with Michael since they were infants, and it wasn’t until recently that they put two-and-two together and discovered their father was the man in the bunny suit. Now, they are filled with pride as Michael puts on the costume and brings joy to the community as he fulfills his holiday duty as The Woodlands Township’s official Easter Bunny.

Michael dedicates his weekends to community Easter events dressed as the Easter Bunny, and when they’re all over, he said he has lock-jaw from smiling so much. Many asked Michael why he bothers smiling so much when he has a costume that does it for him. He said he just can’t help it.

“You’ve got all of these children, and everybody’s smiling, and everybody’s happy and having fun,” Michael said. “How could I not also be smiling on the inside and on the outside? I’ve done it because it’s almost selfish. It’s the joy I get inside and the happiness from seeing everybody.”

Originally from Long Island, New York, Michael was inspired by a childhood neighbor to decorate his lawn for the area to see and to create the same community of awe and wonder for his own children.

“That’s why we moved here, and I guess I’m trying to recreate my childhood,” Michael said. “Seeing all the things that I saw and all the things that were done for me, I wanted to not only do the same thing for my children, but for the community.”