The Great Bend Recreation Commission’s first PAWesome Easter Egg hunt brought dog lovers and their pets to Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday. 

Dozens of plastic eggs were scattered throughout a field north of the dog park. When Megan Hammeke from the Rec gave the signal, the dogs were allowed onto the field. The dogs were on leashes and the humans carried baskets.

“When your dog’s nose or paw touches an egg, you put it in your basket,” Hammeke explained.

The eggs were scented to attract the dogs and most eggs had a treat inside. However, each gold-colored egg had a message to bring it to the registration table and collect a special prize.

After smaller dogs had found all of the eggs, more eggs were scattered on the field for a second hunt with big dogs.

There was also a photo booth.

The Recreation Commission charged $5 per dog for this event and proceeds will go to the dog park, Hammeke said. “We’re hoping to add an obstacle course item or something the dogs can use for enrichment.”

Hammeke said this was the first Easter egg hunt for dogs in Great Bend but she expects it will become an annual event. The idea came after GBRC staff attended a national conference for recreation workers.

“It’s a huge event in other communities,” she said.

With the temperature rising above 60 degrees and the sun shining, the dog park and other parts of Veterans Park were also in use Saturday. People could be seen fishing, playing disc golf, playing or exercising on the equipment, and taking walks.

In downtown Great Bend, the Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop drew a crowd and there were also people trying out the new e-scooters that can be rented through a mobile phone app.