ROLLING PRAIRIE – “It’s good to be together again!” The joyful sentiment displayed by those who attended the 28th annual Sharing Meadows Leprechaun Hunt left no doubt that this was the perfect theme for the event.
The Leprechaun Hunt was held on Aug. 7, following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a major fundraiser for The Share Foundation and Sharing Meadows.
Sharing Meadows is a 185-acre community in northeast LaPorte County, home to 30 other-abled adults and 15 stewards. The community was the dream of Father Dennis Blaney, which became a reality when the first three homes were built and occupied in 1994. The grounds currently have 15 homes and a recently opened senior center.
“It warms my heart to see people come out to support Sharing Meadows and what Father Blaney started,” said Bill Harmon, executive director.
When Father Blaney arrived later in the day, he was welcomed with a standing ovation, cheers and even tears. “I got emotional when he stepped out of the car. He’s here seeing the event he loves so much, benefitting the people he cares about and loves,” said Harmon.
Harmon added he felt like a security guard as Father Blaney was swarmed by people as he made his way to the big tent. “It goes to show Father Blaney is an incredible man,” said Harmon.
Sharing Meadows villager Krissy was selected to blow the bugle to officially start the hunt, a tradition Father Blaney looked forward to every year. “It was an honor to start the hunt,” said Krissy. “It was very exciting. I just didn’t want them to run me over as they ran past me.”
Despite the threat of rain, nearly 3,000 people turned out for the hunt in hopes of finding one of the 33 well-hidden leprechaun statues, and enjoyed Irish food, music, and dance. Twenty-six leprechauns were found with prizes ranging from $50 to $500. The $1,500 leprechaun eluded those searching the rural terrain.
It took little over one hour of searching for 15-year-old Hunter Hoyt to find his pot of gold. The Kendallville resident found a $100 leprechaun in a rotting log, within thick foliage. “I was overjoyed because I didn’t expect to find one. I didn’t care how much it was, I was just happy I found one,” exclaimed Hoyt. This was his first year to attend the event.
A little rain didn’t stop Crown Point residents Sharon Stanzione and her 2-year-old son, Johnny Murphy, and family friend Judy Parker, of Valparaiso, from attending. “No rain is going to stop us. It’s a wonderful cause and it’s so much fun. Food, family, friends, and of course the leprechauns. We’re Irish,” said Stanzione.
Stanzione’s husband, Jesse Murphy, plays bagpipes and was performing with a group at the Leprechaun Hunt. “This is Johnny’s first time at the Leprechaun Hunt and his first time to see his dad play bagpipes in his kilt,” said Stanzione.
Courtney Kozinski, of Valparaiso, was part of a group of 20 that explored the property in hopes of finding a leprechaun. As a special education teacher for the Duneland School Corporation, Kozinski has a special appreciation for the Sharing Meadows ministry. “It’s a great foundation and all the work they do is wonderful. It’s a nice way to spend your day,” said Kozinski.
Harmon had no doubt the day was a success.
“Even though it started to rain a little bit, you could feel the atmosphere was electric, that everybody was so happy to be here to be together,'' he said. “I think people had a great time and it’s so good to be back together again.”
