Whitefish Winter Carnival treasure found

The 2025 Winter Carnival treasure was found this morning at City Beach.  

Furry friends Kirby Pitman and Rosa Pitman-Fonner sniffed out the treasure under a City Beach bench close to the dock. They were aided by experienced treasure hunters and their owners, siblings Elizabeth and Adam Pitman.  

The Pitman crew has found the treasure a number of times, most recently, in 2022.  

After the conclusion of the Winter Carnival Grand Parade on Feb. 8, the treasure was yet to be found, so an additional fourth clue was released in the Whitefish Pilot on Feb. 12.  

The hunt was a bit of a goose chase as several hunters flocked to City Beach this morning. 

“The first three clues had us searching the parade route, but the fourth clue pointed us right to it.,” Elizabeth Pitman said. “Kirby and Rosa were actually very little help, but they were our moral support. They did sniff a lot, but mostly where other dogs had peed.” 

In the last couple weeks, hunters found treasure-type items, including a rock painted with wizards and yetis and a Wizard of Oz book.  

The real treasure was a significant token, a custom carnival button that had a picture of Susi Kohler on it. Kohler was a former Carnival penguin and beloved crossing guard at Muldown Elementary who passed away last fall. 

Kohler worked to keep munchkins safe and the Carnival board wanted to make the hunt a tribute to her.

Hillary Crowley, the 2025 Duchess of Lark, has designed a number of carnival buttons, including the custom Susi button.  

“I took a photo of Susi and turned it into line art," Crowley said. "Behind the red bow on the penguin, I added a tiny pink heart with an S on it."

Additional buttons were given to Lani Kohler, Susi’s sister, to hand out and “spread Susi carnival cheer,” Crowley said.  

Elizabeth Pitman said she knew Susi Kohler well.  

“I had the pleasure of taking care of Susi's pets through the years," Pitman said. "She was my favorite penguin. We will cherish her button."  

The Pitmans will receive $750 for finding the treasure thanks to Doug Reed of Whitefish Lake Restaurant, Eric Schmidt of First Interstate Bank and Shane Moss of Glacier Bank.   

“The treasure hunt has been a huge part of our lives growing up in Whitefish,” Pitman said. “Adam and I are planning to contribute $250 dollars to the hunt next year. We have enjoyed hunting over the years and now are ready to give back.” 

The fourth and final clue that finally led everyone to City Beach:  

Parade Day is full of frivolity and cheer,  

A special day jumping for a cause that’s so dear.  

Kiddie Carnival, Pie Social, there’s so much to do,  

The Carnival’s the fun and the Community the glue.  

The thrills and chills are all part of the fun,  

Carnival gets us through winter as we look forward to sun.  

Take a load off your feet and look out at the blue  

There are lots of good hints in this final clue!