Bow Island’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place on April 4 

Commentator/Courier Photo Submitted.

Forty Mile Regional FCSS

The history of the Bow Island Easter Egg hunt started, as many good stories do, with two dedicated community volunteers who had an idea and ran with it. Nan Maclean and Marjorie Moncrieff were on town council at the time and they wanted to put an event together for families in the community. Hence the Bow Island Easter Egg hunt was born! The town council covered the cost of the chocolate eggs and the ladies held the event at Centennial Park. It was a hit!

Eventually it got so big that a partnership was formed between Forty Mile Regional FCSS and the Town of Bow Island to help run the event. The location was moved to the Bert Knibbs Ball Diamonds and Multiplex to have the availability of an indoor area, as the event runs rain, shine or snow.

The Bow Island Elks Club became involved early on, donating three bikes and helmets every year for three lucky winners, one in each of the three age categories; 2-4 years, 5-6 years, and 7-9 years. As the tradition grew, many other local businesses joined in on the fun, donating prizes, toys or money to bring even more smiles to all the little faces.

Last year ATB Financial became a large sponsor of the event and donated over $500 worth of prizes that each child entered their name in for a chance to win. This year ATB Wealth is joining in on the prize sponsorship as well, doubling the amount of prizes and chances to win!

FCSS is very thankful for the Senator Gershaw School staff and students who fill over 1000 plastic eggs with the chocolates each year, this year the count is up to 2000! The Burgess family faithfully comes out every year to help with hiding the eggs. In more recent years, the North 40 Mile 4-H Club and the Pinto Princesses have also joined in the morning fun of hiding the eggs for the 150+ kiddos. Tianna Payne helps out by filling goodie bags for all the participants.

This year Forty Mile Regional FCSS is celebrating 25 years of supporting families, building connections, developing partnerships and strengthening communities. We are excited to introduce a Family Resource Fair tied in with the Easter Egg Hunt event. Community services and groups will be in attendance and have information available for families on the services they provide.

This year’s event takes place on April 4 at 10 a.m. at the multiplex and Bert Knibbs ball park diamonds. Families may register by March 27 at the FCSS/Town Office or the Susan Andersen Library.

If you have any other questions about this event or what else FCSS has to offer, phone 403-545-2200.