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Ennis Lions Club Hosts Another Successful Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby

ENNIS, MT — Sunshine, smiling families, and plenty of fish made for a memorable day at the 2026 Ennis Lions Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby, held at Lions Park in Ennis. The annual event once again brought together local families, volunteers, and community sponsors to celebrate Father’s Day in one of the Madison Valley’s favorite traditions.

With beautiful weather and a pond full of eager trout, children of all ages enjoyed a day of fishing alongside their fathers, grandfathers, and families. The fishing pond was generously stocked by the Ennis Fish Hatchery, helping ensure plenty of action throughout the day.

The derby was coordinated by Steve Pennaz and Mike Delaney, with support from dozens of dedicated members of the Ennis Lions Club, who spent countless hours organizing, setting up, cooking lunch, registering participants, awarding prizes, and making sure every child had a great experience.

In addition to fishing, children had the opportunity to create unique fish prints with Forest Service Fish Biologist Monica Berreman, whose educational fish-printing station was a popular attraction throughout the event.

The Ennis Lions served a complimentary picnic lunch, giving families an opportunity to relax and enjoy the day together while taking in the beautiful setting at Lions Park.

More than 120 raffle prizes were distributed to children attending the derby, ensuring that many young anglers went home with a special prize regardless of the size of their catch.

Awards were presented in three age divisions:

Ages 0–6 

Ages 7–9

Ages 10–12

Within each division, prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, along with a special prize for the Largest Fish, which measured an impressive 19 3/4 inches.

The Ennis Lions Club extends its sincere appreciation to the many businesses and organizations whose support helped make the event possible:

• Harrington Bottling Company
• Madison Valley Women’s Club
• Beartooth Fly Fishing Lodge
• Town Pump
• Montana Knife Company
• Fanelli & Co.
• The Tackle Shop
• Wheat Montana
• Shedhorn Sports
• Murdoch’s
• Deemo’s
• Kelly Galloup’s NorthSlide
• Plain Janes

“The Father’s Day Fishing Derby continues to be one of the highlights of the year for the Ennis Lions Club,” said incoming Lions President, Mike Delaney. “It’s all about creating memories for kids and families while enjoying the outdoors together. Seeing so many fathers and children fishing side by side is what makes this event so special.”

The Lions also announced their Summer Fishing Raffle, featuring five outstanding prizes for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tickets are available for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20, and may be purchased from any Ennis Lion. Proceeds support the Ennis Lions Club’s many community service projects throughout the year.

From the first cast to the final prize presentation, the 2026 Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby proved once again why it remains a cherished Madison Valley tradition… bringing together families, volunteers, and community partners for a day filled with laughter, friendship, and fishing.

About the Ennis Lions Club
The Ennis Lions Club is dedicated to serving the Madison Valley through community projects, youth programs, vision initiatives, scholarships, Lions Park improvements, and numerous charitable activities. Following the Lions motto, “We Serve,” the club continues to make a positive impact throughout the community.  Check out ennismtlions.org for more information.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Park Update – May 2026

Spring has arrived in full force at the Ennis Lions Club Park, and May was a productive month filled with improvements, planning, and preparation for a busy summer season.

One of the most exciting additions this month was the opening of the new Lions Club Dog Park. The fenced area provides a safe and enjoyable space for local residents and visitors to exercise their dogs while enjoying the park.

The Ennis Lions also continued efforts to improve the health of the park pond. After researching treatment options, conducting water testing, and ordering materials, a pond treatment program is scheduled to begin in June. These efforts are intended to improve water quality, reduce algae growth, and help maintain a healthy environment for the fish population.

Several other major projects are moving forward. The Ennis Baseball and Softball program is working toward placing a permanent storage container in the park to house equipment, while construction of the new Ennis Skate Park is scheduled to begin on June 1. Both the Town of Ennis and the Ennis Lions have been collaborating on site planning and preparation for this exciting community addition.

As the growing season accelerates, mowing and routine maintenance continue to require significant volunteer effort. Park volunteers work diligently to keep the grounds safe, attractive, and welcoming while balancing many other maintenance responsibilities.

During May, 17 Lions volunteers and two Town of Ennis employees contributed to park operations. Lions volunteers completed a variety of projects including:

• Regular mowing and grounds maintenance throughout the park.
• Continued treatment and monitoring of the pond.
• Installation of new pathway signage.
• Removal of rocks, branches, and other potential hazards near the new dog run.
• Improvements to donation collection locations to make them more visible and accessible.
• Support for community events held at the park.

The Ennis Lions Park once again served as an important gathering place for the community, hosting the Ennis Chamber of Commerce “Tap Into Ennis” event. Although heavy rain dampened the event, the park continues to demonstrate its value as a central community venue. Plans are underway to install an occupancy sensor for pavilion lighting later this year, improving energy efficiency while maintaining convenience for evening users.

Special recognition goes to Lion Bob Loveland, who continues to faithfully mow both ball fields each week and assists with park donation collection.

In total, volunteers contributed nearly 100 hours of service during May. These efforts reflect the Ennis Lions Club’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a park that serves residents and visitors of all ages.

The Ennis Lions Club extends its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, community partners, and supporters who help make the park a vibrant gathering place for the Madison Valley.

“If you want something done, ask the Lions.”

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Host Joyful Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Park

On Saturday, April 4, the Ennis Lions Club welcomed families to Ennis Lions Park for their annual Easter Egg Hunt, held under sunny blue skies and a crisp spring breeze. While there was still a bit of chill in the air, it was a far cry from past years when snow covered the grounds.

Lions members, easily recognized in their yellow fleece vests, greeted families as children eagerly gathered for one of the community’s most cherished traditions. Before the egg hunt began, kids enjoyed a wide variety of activities sponsored by the Lions. These included a spoon and egg relay race, giant parachute play, bean bag toss, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk art, a “guess the number of jelly beans and bunny tails” contest, and a fun search for stuffed bunnies hidden throughout the park to take home and love.

A popular addition this year was a table hosted by local Skate Park teens, where children could build their own Tech Deck skateboards. The activity kept young hands busy as excitement continued to build for the main event.

Festive characters added to the fun. The Easter Bunny and the Lions’ mascot were joined this year by a special guest, the Easter Pony, courtesy of Tena Dewey. The pony was a big hit and brought smiles to children and adults alike.

As the crowd grew, Ennis Lions Club President Matt “Hondo” Barr welcomed attendees and made a few announcements, allowing time for late arriving families to join. He also thanked the event’s generous sponsors, including the Madison Valley Women’s Club, Madison Valley Bank, First Interstate Bank/Kyler Elliott, and Jenny Rohrback of PureWest Christie’s Real Estate. Appreciation was also extended to Ennis High School’s Jamie Diehl and her students for preparing the colorful eggs, and to the Artic Circle for donating Bingo prizes.

When it was time for the hunt, children were divided into three age groups, each with their own area of the park. At the signal, the race was on. Eggs that had taken weeks of planning, hours of hiding, and even a day of raking away winter’s lingering “brown jelly beans,” as famously described by Lion George Ennis, were gathered up in a matter of minutes.

Following the children’s hunt, the fun continued with a Dog Easter Egg Hunt. Furry friends eagerly joined in, sniffing out treats and wagging their tails. Over 100 treats were shared with the four legged participants, thanks to the generosity of Treasure State Treats.

What took weeks to prepare was over in moments, but the memories will last much longer.  The Ennis Lions Easter Egg Hunt continues to be a shining example of community spirit, bringing together volunteers, families, and local organizations in a celebration of tradition, generosity, and springtime joy. If you happened to miss this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendar. The hunt is held annually on the day before Easter.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Club Poker Tournament Brings Community Together for a Winning Cause

The Ennis Lions Club hosted its annual Poker Tournament on Sunday, February 1st, at the Silver Dollar in Ennis, and the event delivered exactly what it promised…great cards, great company, and an even greater cause.

From the opening deal to the final hand, the atmosphere was jovial and the camaraderie unmistakable as players squared off in a spirited Texas Hold ’Em battle. Laughter, friendly banter, and good-natured competition filled the room, underscoring what has become one of the Lions Club’s largest and most anticipated fundraisers of the year.

Proceeds from the tournament directly support Ennis Lions Club initiatives that benefit the entire Madison Valley and beyond, including student scholarships, maintenance and improvements at Ennis Lions Park, eye testing in all Madison County schools, the Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby, and many other community projects. More information about these programs can be found at ennismtlions.org.

Adding to the enjoyment of the evening, players and community members were treated to an exceptional meal during the tournament break, prepared by Campfire Pizza Catering. The delicious meal was served by Joel Shows and Sherri Shows and was generously sponsored by Jenny Rohrback, Realtor, and Sky Federal Credit Union. The food was widely praised and added to the warm, community-centered atmosphere that defined the event.

The final poker table was a fantastic representation of local supporters and Lions from neighboring communities. After an exciting finish, the final standings were announced:

• 4th Place: Jeff Cotterell, President of the Bozeman Lions Club
• 3rd Place: Dino Fanelli
• 
• 2nd Place: John Overstreet
• 
• 1st Place Winner: Scott Sciuchetti
• 

Adding a particularly meaningful layer to the evening, the tournament title sponsor was MDM Construction, sponsoring the event in memory of Ken Sciuchetti. Ken was a longtime and beloved member of the Ennis Lions Club, and it was especially heartwarming that his son, Scott, took home the tournament win.

The club extends a big thank-you to Lion Tony Treglia and Lion Michelle Boatwright, who served as co-chairs for the event, along with Lion Corey Gibbs, Lion Mike Delaney, Lion Kent Porterfield, Lion Mark Sixel and Lion Mark Stannard, Lion Bob Williams, Chris and Laura McCann (future Lions), Lion Matt Smith, Lion Gary Leinonen, Lion Bill Wood, Lion Jeanne Adams, Lion Cathy Leinonen, Lion Kris Williams, Lion Loine Reinhardt and the many other Lions and volunteers who helped with planning and execution. Their teamwork ensured another successful and enjoyable tournament.

A special note of appreciation is also due to Lion Bernie Oglietti, who chaired this event for many years and has been an exceptional mentor to fellow Lions. His legacy of leadership and service continues to be felt in the success of events like this one.

The Ennis Lions Club thanks everyone who attended, played, sponsored, and supported the tournament.  The Lions look forward to seeing the community again next year around the poker table, all in the spirit of service.

By Ennis Lions

Welcome, Lion Matt Smith!

Shown here are Lion Bernie Oglietti, Matt’s proud sponsor, Lion Matt Smith, and Lion Mike Delaney, our awesome Membership Chairperson — all smiles as our pride keeps growing!

The Ennis Lions Club is currently the largest Lions Club in Montana (District 37) with 81 members — but our friends at Seeley Lake Lions Club are hot on our heels with 76 members!

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Fire Up the Grill and the Spirit for Homecoming BBQ

Ennis Lions Fire Up the Grill and the Spirit for Homecoming BBQ

ENNIS – Friday of Homecoming Week was more than just a celebration of school spirit—it was a celebration of community, service, and sunshine after the storm.

The Ennis Lions Club joined forces with the Ennis School’s Lunch Ladies last Friday to serve up the beloved annual Homecoming BBQ. Together, they grilled over 400 hamburgers for students and staff, adding a hearty helping of fun to the day’s festivities.

The menu stuck to tradition—juicy burgers, chips, fresh fruit, and dessert—but the experience was anything but ordinary. Music pumped through the speakers, and as the clouds cleared and the sun made its appearance, students spilled outdoors to enjoy what turned into a near-perfect fall picnic.

“It started off a bit rainy, but by the time lunch was in full swing, the sun came out and it turned into the perfect Homecoming moment,” one teacher noted.

But this year’s BBQ wasn’t just about food and fun—it carried a deeper message. In recognition of Lions International’s Week of Service, which focused on Mental Health and Wellness, the Ennis Lions brought a unique and thoughtful twist to the event.

As students made their way through the lunch line, each one was handed a colorful sticker featuring uplifting, empowering messages like:

• “You are AWESOME!”
• “Keep Going!”
• “It’s okay to feel your feelings.”
• “Believe in Yourself.”
• “Positive Vibes Only.”

Each sticker was paired with a warm smile or a word of encouragement from a Lions member:  small tokens with a powerful impact.

“We wanted every student to feel seen, supported, and valued,” said Lion Corinna.  “Mental health matters, and sometimes all it takes is a few kind words to make a big difference.”

The feedback from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Many walked away not just full from lunch, but uplifted by the simple gestures of kindness and connection.

As the music played and students mingled in the sunshine, the Homecoming BBQ served as a perfect example of how local service can strengthen school culture and community ties.

The Ennis Lions extend their thanks to the school staff—especially the Lunch Ladies—for helping continue this tradition, and they look forward to making future events even more impactful.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Kick Off a New Year of Service

The Ennis Lions are proud to step into a new Lion year after a summer filled with service, projects, and community joy at our beloved Ennis Lions Park—often called the heart of downtown Ennis.

Summer in the Park

The park has been alive with activity:

• Families gathering for picnics under the pavilion.

• Children laughing and playing on the playgrounds.

• Friends enjoying the walking paths.

• Baseball and softball games filling the evenings.

• Our much-loved Father’s Day Fishing Derby drawing smiles once again.

• Weekly Farmer’s Markets bringing fresh produce and local goods to town.

Behind the scenes, the Lions have been busy with planning and building. Work continues on the Ennis Skatepark, in partnership with Dreamland Skateparks and Montana Pool Service, founded by Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. Construction on the Dog Park is progressing steadily. Looking ahead, there are BIG plans for a major playground renovation.  Dedicated spaces for different age groups, equipment designed for children with special needs, a teen hang-out zone, pavilion patio upgrades, and even a few surprises yet to be unveiled.

Welcoming New Lions

At our recent meeting, we were delighted to welcome two new members:

• Corey Gibbs, sponsored by Lion Tony Treglia. Corey is eager to help at the park and bring his fundraising experience to the community.

• Joyce Pearson, sponsored by Lion Edie Stewart. Joyce is especially excited about youth programs and looks forward to giving back, with her grandsons being part of the Ennis community.

Upcoming Events

As the leaves change, the Lions turn their focus to fall traditions:

• 🎃 Halloween Carnival – October 31 at the Ennis Elementary Gymnasium. Local groups host carnival booths, raising funds for their own organizations while creating a fun night for kids. To get involved, call or text 406-601-8850.

• 🎲 Fall Bingo – October 31 in the Ennis School Lunchroom. This cherished annual event is one of the Lions’ largest fundraisers, supporting service projects year-round. We deeply appreciate the businesses and individuals who donate prizes to make Bingo a success.

Vision for Our Youth

This fall, the Ennis Lions will once again provide eye screenings in every school in Madison County—Harrison, Ennis, Alder, Sheridan, and Twin Bridges. These screenings help identify children who may need further evaluation from a vision specialist. For families facing financial challenges, the Ennis Lions and the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation have grant programs available to assist with vision and hearing needs.

The Ennis Lions are grateful to serve and to continue building a community where children, families, and neighbors can thrive. As we begin this new Lion year, we invite you to join us at the park, at our events, or even as a member. Together, we are making our community stronger, one project at a time.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Teach Flag History at Ennis Schools

In a heartwarming celebration of patriotism and community service, members of the Ennis Lions Club paid a special visit to the students of Ennis Schools this May to share the inspiring history of the American flag as well as proper protocol to honor the flag.

Led by Navy veterans Hondo Barr and his father Dick Barr, both Ennis Lions members, along with Lions Julie Bartos and Corinna Christensen, they presented an interactive and age-friendly Flag Day program to students in grades 1, 2, and 3. The presentation covered the origins of the flag, what it’s stars and stripes represent, and why June 14 is celebrated across the country as Flag Day.

“The students were incredibly engaged,” said Lion Julie. “They asked thoughtful questions and showed so much enthusiasm for learning about our country’s history.”

At one point in the presentation, the Lion Dick asked the students if they would want to come back to school on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate again. The room erupted in laughter and a unanimous, “NO!”—a lighthearted reminder of the excitement that comes with summer break just around the corner.

In a touching gesture to commemorate the visit, each student and teacher received a small American flag mounted in a handcrafted wooden stand. The stands were made by the Ennis Lions themselves and featured the Lions Club emblem—offering a lasting symbol of the day’s fun and the values of pride, service, and community.

“It was more than just a history lesson,” said Lion Corinna. “It was a way to connect with our youth and pass along something meaningful they can take pride in.”

The Ennis Lions Club has long been a staple of civic life in Madison County, with a deep-rooted commitment to service, education, and patriotism. Their Flag Day initiative not only honored the nation’s symbol, but also reflected the spirit of the Lions’ motto: “We Serve.”

By Lion Corinna Christensen

By Ennis Lions