It is set for Saturday, April 16, at Choteau City Park and Pavilion.
It’s been two years since the fireworks fundraiser took place and this year’s new organizers are Cody Marney and Kate Lohmann, who are hoping everyone will turn up to help raise funds for the fireworks show.
Fireworks fundraisers run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion while an Easter egg hunt for children 10 and younger is set for 1 p.m. in Choteau City Park.
All Choteau businesses and professionals are required to provide eggs, preferably candy or plastic, for hunting, according to Tom Frounfelder, the event’s new coordinator.
Each company is asked to donate three dozen plastic eggs (full of candy or goodies) as it takes about 2,000 eggs to cover the different fishing grounds for the five age groups. Those who prepare the eggs are asked to seal them with duct tape so that they do not open because they are being thrown out to hunt.
Candy eggs should be individually wrapped as they will be placed on the floor. If companies put coins into plastic eggs as a special reward for those who spot them, they should label these egg bags separately so that they are placed in areas where older children will catch the eggs. These eggs will not be taken out to toddlers and young children who may choke on a coin.
Businesses can deliver their eggs at Choteau City Office, Main Street Express, Choteau Acantha, Flying Bison Mercantile, or 2 Buck’s Inc. , before 5 p.m. on April 15. Any company or individual whose eggs have not been delivered by then must take them to the park before 10 a.m. on April 16.
Kids 2 and younger, 3 and 4 will fish on the east side of the flank; Children between 5 and 6 years old will fish in a large area north of the flank; Children aged 7-8 and 9 and 10 will be hunting in the camp area south of the ward.
Signs advising parents will also be placed in the different areas of the park for different age groups.
As in recent years, Gorder Jensen Funeral Home offers special prizes for each age group. Kids will find the winning prize ticket in special eggs in the garden. They can exchange tickets for prizes (bikes) in the booth after the hunt for eggs is over.
Funeral Home will also sell raffle tickets for a camping kit, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooler, hammock and chair. Each ticket costs $5 and the proceeds help fund the purchase of egg hunt prizes.
The deputy sheriff of Teton County will sound the siren at 1 p.m. to begin the search. In the event of inclement weather, the stalking will be conducted as scheduled as it only takes moments and the exposure to the weather is short. Families planning to come and eat at a fireworks fundraising lunch beginning at 11 a.m. in the pavilion are asked to ensure that their children stay outside of the encircled egg-hunting areas of the park until the start of the hunt for eggs.
The fundraiser for the fireworks, sponsored by the Choteau Chamber and other civic clubs, will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. The fundraiser will feature carnival games for kids, a silent shopper’s auction, a free lunch and a bake sale.
Marnie and Loman said they hope families in the area will find time this busy Easter holiday to support the fireworks event.
“I know the Choteau business community is donating many very cool items to the silent auction, and the guys at 4-H are working hard to make delicious lunches,” said Marney. “I hope that community members will come to support the fundraiser and have a great community event.”
The annual fireworks display costs over $13,000 and is funded entirely through donations. The current balance of the Fireworks account is $8,330 and includes the $2,200 that was raised earlier this spring in a cash-calendar draw.
Anyone who is unable to attend but still wants to make a cash donation can do so through Choteau City Office, PO Box 619, Choteau, MT 59422. Those who wish to donate using a credit card can contact online at: gofundme.com/choteaufireworks .
Fireworks fundraising is a community effort, sponsored by the Choto Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, 4-H’ers, Lions, and Lions. The various attractions of this year’s fundraiser are:
silent auction
Organizers were soliciting donations of auction items from businesses and individuals at Choteau. The auction will open at 11 AM and bids will be placed on items for the duration of the event with the last request for bids at 1:45 PM. The silent auction usually collects more than half of the proceeds from the fireworks. Donations keep coming in and include: gift certificates for area businesses, craft tools, home décor, toys and games, clothing, artwork, and much more. To donate an auction item, please call Marnie at 406-590-5698 and drop the item at Choteau Acantha by 5 p.m. on April 15.
4-H Sloppy Joes and Hot Dogs
Members of Choteau 4-H and leaders from Spring Creek, Old Agency, and Eager Beavers clubs will host a free lunch featuring sloppy joe, hot dogs, fresh vegetables, and homemade dessert. Lunch will be served from 11 am until we run out of food in the kitchen.
carnival games
Choteau Lions will be on hand with a selection of carnival games for kids, including beanbag throws, fish pond, balloon darts, cake walks, archery fair, ring toss and more. They will also have bingo and other games of chance throughout the event. The Lions will sell game chips and kids can win prizes in games of chance. The chips will cost $0.25 each.
back on sale
Choteau Soroptimists will host a bakery sale and take donations for the sale during the day of the event. Bakery sale items will include bread, pies, cookies, cake, cupcakes, and more. Anyone wishing to donate baked goods should contact Sally Haas of Soroptimists or have the items delivered at the Choteau Pavilion by 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
50/50 lottery
The organizers will also sell 50/50 lottery tickets at the door with the raffle drawn at 2pm
Tickets will be sold for $1 per opportunity or $5 USD.
Registration of bone marrow donors
New this year, fundraiser Cody Marney will set up a booth at the fireworks fundraiser to register for Gift of Life donors. Potential donors must be between 18 and 35 years old and in good health. Survey and required documents will be made at the kiosk.