The City’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt is back again this year, thanks to Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz of Steel Etc.

The family friendly event is 11 a.m. March 31 in Gibson Park, but plan to arrive at 10 a.m. for games and entertainment and no later than 10:45 a.m.

The hunt will feature more than 6,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes.

The Easter Egg Hunt age divisions include:  1-3, 4-6 and 7-9. The Easter Bunny will be making a guest appearance.

The Filipowicz’s donated for the eighth straight year to make the event possible, according to Park and Rec.

When the event was in danger of being canceled seven years ago due to a loss in funding, the Filipowicz’s and Steel Etc. offered to pay all expenses associated with the Easter Egg Hunt.  With their generous donation, Park and Rec was able to improve and continue a long-standing tradition. 

“We are fortunate to have a community that cares about events like these, and we’re appreciative for businesses like Steel Etc., and owners like Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz.  Jimmy and Debbie’s generosity and compassion for children and making Great Falls a great place to live, never ceases to amaze me,” Patty Rearden, deputy Park and Rec director said in a release. “They graciously fund all of the expenses of the Easter Egg Hunt, but it is just a small part of their on-going support and philanthropic efforts throughout the community.” 

When asked why his business stepped up to sponsor the event, Filipowicz said, “The Easter Egg Hunt is a great event for children and the community. We didn’t hesitate to offer our support in 2011, and entering into our eighth year, we are more committed than ever. It’s rewarding to feel the excitement in the air and to see the great time the kids have. I have a soft heart when it comes to kids and we want to see this annual tradition continue. The community has been good to our business and we want to give back.”

Steel Etc. is a local Great Falls business that provides new steel products and recycling services, and is located at 1408 52nd St. N.

Cascade FFA has donated countless hours stuffing more than 6,000 eggs for the Egg Hunt. 

On Saturday, K-99’s Nick Northern, KMON-AM’s Seth Coburn, Bejay and JD of Max Country 94.5, Cory Wells with Kool 92.9, 99.9 ESPN, Tammie Toren on Bigstack 103.9, and Steve Keller with 97.9 the River will MC the Easter Egg Hunt.

For more information about the Easter Egg Hunt contact Park and Recreation at 771-1265.