Annual Gourd Egg Hunt: A Fun Tradition That Feeds the Community
An egg hunt that helps fight hunger? You read that right! Our Annual Gourd Egg Hunt isn’t just about the thrill of the search—it’s also about giving back to the local community. We are so happy to share with you all the details of this annual community tradition, and how we love to give back.
A Different Kind of Egg Hunt
Unlike traditional egg hunts filled with candy and plastic eggs, our Gourd Egg Hunt is a bit more… unique. This hunt is designed for adults, though kids are welcome to participate or help out.
All participants come out to the farm with their friends and loved ones to search for 5 hand-dyed eggs that we hide in our winter wheat field. The eggs are made from gourds—highly prized by adults but not exactly what kids dream of.
The winter wheat field hides the eggs really well, so it is more challenging than people expect when they think of searching for eggs in grass. But, by the end you will have up to 5 adorable Easter eggs that will last for generations (with proper care). A total of 2,000 gourd eggs and 21 special prize eggs are hidden in about six inches of winter wheat. If you are lucky enough, you could even find a prize egg! Prizes range from chocolate, free gourd designs, and even cash!
When we first started, we held one massive hunt on a 10-acre field with 1,500 attendees. It was chaotic but wildly popular! Since then, we’ve fine-tuned the event to create a more enjoyable experience. Now we offer three different egg hunt times with 400 people in each egg hunt.
Turning Fun into Impact
As the hunt grew, we saw an opportunity to make a difference. Initially, we asked participants to bring non-perishable food donations for local food banks. A few years ago, we introduced a $5 non-refundable donation to participate—an amount that adds up quickly with so many eager hunters! Some attendees still bring food, and we happily pass it along to those in need.
In the first few years, our donations supported the Upper Frankford Fire Company in their efforts to purchase a new truck. Last year and again this year, we’ve chosen to support the PAW Packs Program of the Big Spring School District.
What is PAW Packs?
The PAW Packs Program is a nonprofit that provides meals to children in the Big Spring School District, ensuring they have access to food on weekends and during the summer months. This initiative began in 2016 at Newville Elementary and has since expanded to all elementary and middle schools, serving children from age two through high school.
Originally, PAW Packs provided shelf-stable weekend food packs delivered to schools for kids to bring home. When the pandemic struck, they adapted by offering a pickup program at the Newville First Church of God, which continues today. This system allows them to include perishable food in addition to shelf-stable items. Currently, they send an average of 110 food bags to schools each week, while 50-60 families pick up food directly, supporting over 200 children.
Throughout the summer, PAW Packs continues its mission by distributing fresh fruits and vegetables alongside other food essentials. The program is entirely volunteer run, with packing teams from 10 local churches rotating every Friday to prepare the food bags. Funding comes from generous local churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in the cause.
How You Can Help
This year, your $5 donation and any food collected will go directly to PAW Packs, helping them continue their incredible work. Having met several of their dedicated volunteers, I can assure you they are passionate, hardworking, and committed to making sure no child in the community goes hungry. We are so excited and proud to be able to help this awesome organization with their mission. It is such a wonderful way to make an impact on family lives in our community. To learn more about PAW Packs, visit their website: PAW Packs.
Ready to Join the Hunt?
Registration for our Annual Gourd Egg Hunt opens today! Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait. For details and to register, visit our website by clicking here.
Come for the fun, stay for the impact—let’s hunt some eggs and help feed our community together!