Possible Clues:

• With 34-, 36- and 37-Across, ulterior motive ... or a hint to the word concealed in each starred clue's answer
• Got ready for a surprise party's big moment
• Prepared for a surprise party, in a way
• One of 64 divisions of Louisiana
• Stashed in a safe place
• Prepared for a surprise party, say
• Wasn’t a seeker
• Moved out of sight
• Stashed in a secret spot
• Stashed secretly