Lions Club plans Easter Egg hunt, with proper precautions

The Columbia Falls Lions Club Easter egg hunt should go on Easter Sunday, albeit in a closed fashion due to concerns about the novel coronavirus.

Instead of spreading candy throughout Marantette Park, which has been the case for decades, kids and their families can pick up candy through the drive-through window at Freedom Bank at 1 p.m.

“All eggs will be distributed through the drive-up window in pre-packaged bags that have sat for a minimum of 48 hours without being handled,” said Lions Club President Steve Melby.

The eggs are plastic eggs with packaged candy inside.

The event has preliminary approval of the Flathead County Health Department. The event, however, is contingent on final approval by the health department, which should make a final determination by April 10, Melby said. Easter is Sunday, April 12.

The Lions Club has been putting on the Easter Egg hunt since the 1950s. It has only been canceled in the past due to deep snow and cold in the past 20-plus years.

The club asks that only children under 12 participate and that children and families stay in their vehicles.