(Rolling Prairie, IN) - Last Sunday thousands of people gathered in Rolling Prairie to take part in an annual tradition known as leprechaun hunting. No leprechauns were hurt in the hunt, and lots of people had lots of fun supporting a good cause.
Nichole Blake organizes the event for Sharing Meadows. She said the Leprechaun Hunt has really bounced back following a hiatus during the pandemic. “We got way more participants than we expected,” she said. “I expected 4-5,000 people, and I think there was way more than that. We were approaching 7-8,000 people prior to Covid. Last year we had about 4,000, so we’re definitely reaching our numbers again.”
33 leprechaun statuettes, worth over $5,000 in prize money, were hidden around the property’s 200 acres. Nine of those sneaky little leprechauns went unfound. There was live music and all the food and drink a person would want, all thanks to volunteers, some of whom have been helping out for decades. Blake said over 200 people chip in to put on the event. “We can’t do it without them, absolutely cannot,” she said.
This was the 30th anniversary of the event, which is the main fundraiser for Sharing Meadows, a residential facility that cares for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One of those special people is Mary McKenna. Mary has lived at Sharing Meadows for over ten years. “I love this day, it’s amazing,” Mary beamed. “Seeing all the people come out is just wonderful, and having them support us—that’s what means a lot to our hearts. It gets more fun every year.” She said the Leprechaun Hunt is her favorite day. But, then again, she added that every day at Sharing Meadows is her favorite day.
