Easter egg hunts are no longer just for kids. On Saturday, the Great Bend Recreation Commission hosted its annual PaweSome Easter Egg Hunt, inviting dog owners to bring their fur babies to Veterans Memorial Park. The kiddos got into the act Saturday night with a Flashlight Egg Hunt at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

PaweSome Hunt

A field of plastic eggs filled with doggie treats was divided into two areas – one for large dogs and one for small dogs. If a dog inspected an egg, its owner was allowed to claim it. Some of the eggs yielded coupons for prizes from the Rec. Each side had 1,000 eggs and prizes included Easter-themed doggie gift baskets and toys.

While some dogs got into the spirit of the hunt, others seemed excited for a play day in the park where they could meet other canines and humans.

There was a $5 fee for each dog, with proceeds going for improvements at the dog park inside Vets Park. Megan Hammke with the Great Bend Rec said they are looking to add some small features at the park.

This was the sixth year for the hunt. They registered 55 dogs, which was a decent turnout considering how windy it was, Hammeke said.

Flashlight Hunt

In the evening, the kids had a chance to collect eggs after dark at the annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at the Great Bend Sports Complex. The 560 attendees represented the largest turnout ever for this event, now in its fourth year, Hammeke said.

There were over 10,000 eggs divided among four fields for the different age groups. Each field had special prize eggs, so sponsors gave away four bicycles and eight small Easter-themed gift baskets.

Fireworks were originally planned for the conclusion but the Great Bend City Council did not approve a permit, due to the anticipated high winds.

“It turned out to be a beautiful night,” Hammeke said. Although the wind died down somewhat, it would have been too windy for fireworks, she added. The $5 admission fee covered expenses.

“It went really well for us on both events,” Hammeke said. “I would call it a success.”