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Despite the freezing temps and wind chill, warm-fuzzy feelings were present at the Trout Creek Easter Egg-stravaganza. "We have some pretty tough Montana kids. We had over 240 kids registered – just shy of last year's numbers when the weather was better," said Liz Stender, whose efforts with Trout Creek Community Improvement Association (TCCIA) help to put on the annual Easter egg hunt, "it was too cold for little fingers to do arts and crafts and cookie decorating, but they didn't let the cold keep them at home."

Preparation of the hunt location at Trout Creek Park began the day prior, as Stender donned bunny ears and drove a small tractor to the site to clear the winter's accumulated snowfall. "That was a first," Stender joked, "but the plowing was a 'must,' or visitors would be getting stuck in the driveway and parking area."

Stender arrived at the park Saturday morning to construct the barriers that would divide the park into separate age groups for the kids to scramble for the 6,000 stuffed plastic Easter eggs. "It was cold for sure, but the wind was unbelievable," Stender shared, "the barriers are concrete with poles that hold bright tape to keep the kids corralled in their area – but none of the tape or the poles would stay in place. To add to the comedy of it all, the eggs we had been laying down were blowing across the field into different sections." The Easter madness was soon shared by unexpected volunteers from teen residential schools like Mountain Meadows, Open Gate Ranch and Clearview Horizon. "They really saved the day," noted Stender, "we ended up having to use human bodies as section separators. Those teens stood there holding the age group signs and helped keep the kiddos in their areas."

Justin Harris

More than 6,000 eggs were filled with candy, money and prizes at the Trout Creek Park

Once the children were released to the hunt area, the 6,000 eggs disappeared in about three minutes, according to Stender, "those egg hunters were taking care of business quickly. It was probably a mix of excitement, desire to move around for warmth, and to just get it done." The parents of the egg hunters were thankful for their swiftness.

Lunch was sold at the concession booth by Bill and Jean Manning. The many teen volunteers were fed, as well, making the effort a 'break even' for the TCCIA. "And that's just fine with us," said Stender. "This event is such a big deal and it is special because it is specifically for the kids and the community support is there."

Twelve children went home with new bicycles and numerous other big prizes were scored by the young attendees.

"I've got to hand it to our TCCIA crew, volunteers and the community," shared Stender. "There is a never-ending well of support for this event, and it shows in the laughter and smiles of the kids every year."