As the weather turns warmer and the signs of life return across the Malad valley, a number of Easter events welcomed in the dawning of the season over the weekend.  From Easter egg hunts to traditional Easter church services, an atmosphere of rebirth took hold.

On Saturday, the traditional Easter egg hunt for the valley’s children was held in various locations, including the main event at the City Park.  The Easter Bunny himself made a dramatic entrance to the event on a helicopter to survey the scene, after which ambulance sirens signaled the beginning of the hunt.  Hundreds of kids showed up to participate in the mad dash for eggs, prizes, and fun.  Some of the eggs contained paper that could be redeemed for a stuffed animal, donated by Malad Family Dollar.  The fifty golden eggs scattered among an estimated 4,000 donated by local merchants granted the winners a milkshake from the Malad Drive-In.  The Drive-In is currently planning its grand re-opening for some time in the next few weeks.  The event was supported by the Oneida County EMTs, ATC, and other local merchants. ATC provided hot chocolate and doughnuts.  A full list of the 50 golden egg winners is included at the end of this article.

On Sunday morning, the Interfaith Council sponsored an Easter Sunrise Service, which brought over 70 people to the City Park as the sun crested the mountains to hear the message of Christ’s resurrection.  Speakers including Pastor Jack Harwell of the Victory Baptist church, Art Martinez of St. Paul’s Catholic mission, David Jensen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Toni Werk of the Presbyterian church were on hand to provide a range of voices celebrating the season.  The family of Brian Jeppsen, as well as the trio of Emily Jo and Carrie Christiansen, along with Pennie Wolf, met the morning with song.

During the week, the Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital put on a “Peeps-show” at the Longterm Care Facility, featuring dioramas created by various hospital departments utilizing that perennial Easter treat, Marshmallow Peeps.  The diorama was named "Residents' Choice" ranged from the nostalgic (such as Radiology’s Gilligan’s Island display) to the whimsical (the Clinic’s Peep Camping display).  Awards were given for the funniest (the Clinic), Best Use of Peeps (Paula’s Peep Farm), Residents Choice (LTC staff’s Up), and Most Creative (Radiology’s Gilligan’s Island).  The activity was designed to bring some Easter cheer to the Longterm Care Facility for the season, and give the staff a chance to show off their artistic and creative skills.  It was organized by the LTC Activities Committee.

The Easter Bunny also took the time to visit the Evening of the Arts, held at the end of last week.  The event featured seasonal chorale arrangements by the MHS Chamber Choir, as well as the aforementioned special visit by the rabbit of the hour.

List of Golden Egg Winners

(as this list is compiled from the kids’ own self-reporting, we acknowledge that there may be some occasional misspellings throughout, and apologize in advance)

0-2 Years

Kylee Boel

Jett Thorpe

Kiera Thorpe

Everly Maughan

Kaleb Nielsen

Chipper Jones

McCoy Moeller

Whitley Smith

Jayde Evans

Payton Evans

3-4 Years

Tillie Meyers

Lexi Smith

Maisy Firth

Brantley Daniels

Xavier Davis

Mila Clark

Kayden Carter

5-6 Years

Bridger Jones

Elle Evanson

Phoebe Firth

Cora Conger

Lynk Anderson

Damien Duncan

Ada Williams

7-8 Years

Zaira Hamilton

Carter Jones

Kimberly Moreno

Taggart Smith

Millie Ekstrom

Dempsey Firth

Aaron Wall

Devon Ball

Dax Beutler

Nash Naylor

9-12 Years

Zachary Briscoe

Sarah Toone

Evan Colton

Tavanie Steed

Jace Nalder

Conner Hamilton

Colette Bucklion

Cannon Wilson

Hope Briggs

Dawson Beutler