It started as a simple idea: bring families together for a little Easter fun, and it’s safe to say the North Platte Jaycees have built something much bigger.

On Saturday, hundreds of children and their families gathered at Cody Park for the Jaycees’ 4th annual Easter Egg Hunt, filling the fields with excitement, laughter, and more than a few competitive egg hunters. With over 10,000 eggs scattered across the grounds, kids ages 0–10 lined up eagerly for the 2 p.m. start, baskets in hand and eyes locked on the prize.

Since the Jaycees took over the event from the VFW, it continues to grow, thanks in part to a unique tradition of recycling unused eggs, allowing organizers to build on what they’ve already created. The result is an experience that feels bigger and better every time, whether it’s the first visit or one of many.

And the crowd showed it. Families gathered around the softball diamonds and along the fences ahead of the start time, with a strong turnout on all four fields. More than 400 children took part in the hunt, with total attendance estimated at 600 or more.

Of course, it’s not just about the eggs. Hidden inside select eggs were prize tickets, totaling more than 50 prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement for participants across all age groups. 

Events like this don’t happen without support, and this year’s hunt was made possible by a long list of sponsors, including Double Dips, Fangman Underground LLC, Creative Landscape of Nebraska, Westfield Small Animal Clinic, Dave’s Place, Shaw Law LLC, Cyndi Banzhaf Platinum Realty, Pizza Hut, Pop Corner, 5 Below, Runza, Golden Ticket, and several others who stepped up to make the day possible.

At its core, the Jaycees’ Easter Egg Hunt is about more than candy and prizes. It’s about community. It’s about kids laughing, parents catching photos, and neighbors coming together for something simple and good.

And judging by the turnout and the smiles, it’s becoming a North Platte tradition.

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