Easter Bunny makes the rounds Saturday
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months, 2 weeks AGO
The Easter Bunny, shown here at last year's egg hunt in St. Ignatius, will be a very busy rabbit this weekend. (Christa Umphrey photo)
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | April 2, 2026 12:00 AM
The Easter Bunny is hopping through the Mission Valley Saturday, dispersing eggs and other goodies.
He (or is the mighty rabbit a She?) begins the journey at 10 a.m. April 4 at the St. Ignatius High School football and practice fields. The St. Ignatius Chamber sponsors the annual event, and Randi Gariepy assembles eggs and baskets with help from community members.
According to Darren Orr, the event has grown so much in recent years that sponsors have experienced an egg deficit.
“Last year some kids didn't get as much eggs as in the past so a few of community members decided to donate eggs to help out,” Orr said.
He noted that Ronda Courville dropped off filled plastic eggs, as did Daniel and Pam Thompson. Dew Crew Inflatables LLC, owned by Dewey Schliep and family, donated 300 eggs, all prefilled with prizes, and more than 40 easter baskets to the chamber egg hunt.
“It’s always great to have people step up and contribute to the community events – we’re very appreciative of that,” Orr said.
Action moves north to Leon Hall, east of Charlo, where Post Creek 44 Bar Steak and Tap is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 a.m. April 4. According to a Facebook post, the event boasts over 3,500 filled Easter eggs, more than 40 prizes, plus giveaways. Cotton candy, food, and coffee will be available for purchase.
Finally, Mission Valley Super Oval on North Reservoir Road, south of Polson, hosts a hunt at noon Saturday with divisions for different age groups.
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