decades of SERVICE and S COMMUNITY

erving the community since 1953, the Sandpoint Lions Club (SLC) has been a vital part of the fabric that makes up this place we call home.

“The Sandpoint Lions Club is a historical part of this community. From the construction of Sandpoint City Beach to our original members refurbishing toys for the kids in 1953, we have been the go-to service club for this community,” smiles Janice Rader, current president of SLC.

Their mission statement reads: “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.”

Janice and SLC members come together and work closely with the community during several annual events throughout the year. “This helps us build our close relationships with neighbors in our community and gives us insight into what the community needs and helps us meet these needs,” she shares.

The Sandpoint Lions Club is responsible for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Fourth of July Celebration (including the parade and fireworks show at City Beach), an annual Halloween Haunted Maze, and Turkey Bingo to kick off the Lions Club’s Toys for Tots program. “By hosting these events, we get to know the community we serve," says Janice. "We grow our friendships with the community members and local businesses to help everyone network our resources.”

Sandpoint Lions Club Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary Serving Bonner County

by JILLIAN CHANDLER

The Sandpoint Lions Club has been hosting events locally since 1953, and one tradition that continues, the Saturday prior to Easter, is the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt! Each year, approximately 20 volunteers come together to continue this fun-filled morning filled with laughter and smiles; the perfect way to kick off those Easter festivities and celebrations a day early. This year’s Easter Egg Hunt takes place Saturday, April 8, with the egg hunt starting promptly at 9am at Lakeview Park (609 South Ella Avenue) in Sandpoint.

“This is such a fun event for the kids,” affirms Janice. “It’s events like this that bring our community together.”

The annual hunt will happen rain, shine … or snow! Be sure to dress for the weather and be ready for an exciting, fast-paced morning. Each year, around 2,000 children and family members show up to the hunt to search for the hundreds of candy-filled plastic eggs. Hunts are broken down by age categories and, as Janice shares, the hunting is usually over in less than 10 minutes!

For the past two years, there have been special golden eggs hidden, and those lucky kiddos who discovered one of those golden eggs received a free bicycle, courtesy of the Lions Club. This year, there won’t be special golden eggs, but kids will still have the chance to win one of