Photo: Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ
DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – A social media movement, started by a Dedham bookstore, has resulted in the business keeping its beloved blue fixture at its front door.
The Town of Dedham Select board voted Thursday night in favor of granting a cobalt blue bunny statue, outside of The Blue Bunny Books and Toys, a one-year, renewable license to sit outside the shop, according to a Facebook post from the bookstore.
Author and owner Peter Reynolds said the statue has become an icon in the downtown area.
“People make a pilgrimage to Dedham to get their photograph taken with the bunny,” he said. “It’s really helped put us on the map.”
Reynolds was forced to move the statue indoors after someone complained to the town, calling it a public obstruction. The issue prompted a lengthy discussion among town selectman about the difference between sidewalk marketing and accessibility.
“I would have hoped that the town would have spent their energy of thinking of ways to help instead of hinder,” Reynolds said.
The owner said the bunny’s location is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and adds that small businesses like his can use as much attention as they can get.
The bunny, which has been outside the shop for a decade, was trending on social media due to the hashtag “freethebunny.” This morning the business thanked the community for helping raise support and keeping the bunny in its iconic location.
WBZ’s Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) was in Dedham Thursday:
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