From left, Piper Spaur, Kaisen Kienzle, Sophia Spaur, and Ivy Spaur pictured Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Garwin’s annual Easter egg hunt. PHOTOS BY KRISTINE KIENZLE

GARWIN – The Garwin Ambulance hosted the community’s longstanding annual Easter egg hunt on the morning of Saturday, April 4, in Garwin Park in tandem with the Garwin Enrichment League’s (GEL) community breakfast hosted inside the Community Shelter House. More than 1,400 eggs were filled this year for the popular event geared toward children up to fourth grade.

“The City of Garwin purchases the candy and prizes while the EMS and Fire Department prepare the eggs and set up the hunt in the park each year,” GEL’s Kristine Kienzle told the newspaper following the event. When asked how long the community has hosted the Easter tradition, Kienzle said EMS member Sherry Parks told her as long as she could remember, ‘so probably around 60 years.’

Despite the wind chill Saturday morning registering in the low-20s and northwest winds sustained at nearly 20 mph, the event was well attended with most youngsters dressed in layers as they fanned out throughout the park searching for hidden eggs. The Easter Bunny was also in attendance, posing for photos with eager youngsters.

Area Easter egg hunts were also held that morning in Gladbrook, Reinbeck, and Traer.

GEL breakfast, flower sale

Garwin Enrichment League members serve breakfast inside the Community Shelter House last Saturday morning. GEL’s fundraising breakfast was held in tandem with the annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by Garwin Ambulance. From left, Baily Anderson, Levi Woehlk (back), Debi Jackson, Sierra Kriegel, Chris Deam, and McKenzie Mitchell.

The Garwin Enrichment League hosted Saturday’s Easter breakfast as part of its annual Freedom Days fundraising efforts. Freedom Days 2026 is set to begin Friday, July 3, and last all weekend before ending with a community church service on Sunday, July 5.

For 2026 – America’s 250th anniversary – GEL set a fundraising goal of $15,000 to cover the needs of the community, including the fireworks show, while providing safe and fun offerings for all ages, per GEL member Chris Deam. Deam said the organization is on track to cover Friday night’s entertainment (DJ) and Saturday night’s live band.

“GEL continually fundraises for the current year and is always adding to the account for events to come,” Deam said.

GEL’s next fundraiser, Bloom for a Cause, is a flower fundraiser just in time for Mother’s Day. Pre-sales of hanging baskets and potted tubs – including geraniums, petunias, begonias, and more – recently kicked off and will last through Thursday, April 30, with pick-up taking place Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. at DD Auction House, 202 Main Street, Garwin. DD Auction House will also be open to the public during those same days and times for fresh flower purchases alongside pre-sales.

For more information, be sure to follow Garwin Enrichment League’s Facebook page.

Fire and Ambulance Station open house

The new Garwin Fire and Ambulance Station is nearing completion and will open to the public for a sneak peek as part of a community open house set for this Sunday, April 12, from 3-5 p.m.

The new building is located west of the Shelter House along Front Street. As part of the open house, the public will have the opportunity to tour the building. Food trucks from both Clare’s Tenderloins and Most Wanted Coffee will be on site as well.

In addition to the new building, Garwin Ambulance recently hired a new daytime EMT, Ashley Kajer, who will serve Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Garwin Ambulance is always in need of volunteers – both drivers and EMT staff. Those with interest are encouraged to speak with a member of the Ambulance crew during Sunday’s open house.

Garwin Ambulance volunteers pictured during the community’s annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4, in Garwin Park. From left, Sherry Parks, Gabe Zielstorf, Ayden Stamp, and Deb Stamp.

Sun Courier Note: Special thanks to Kristine Kienzle for help with this story. You are appreciated!

GMG second-grader Alarick Farrell-Damico finds a golden egg!

Kaisen Kienzle, left, and the Easter Bunny pose for a photo.

Elliott Wueve collects colorful eggs during Garwin Ambulance’s annual Easter egg hunt last Saturday morning.