By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE — Families gathered Saturday at D&N Event Center as Guardians of the Children marked its 10th annual Child Abuse Awareness and Family Appreciation Day with free food, family activities, community resources and the giveaway of 278 donated bicycles.
Held in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the event blended awareness outreach with a festival-like atmosphere featuring bounce houses, games, a cake walk, face painting, balloon animals and a large prize table for children completing activities.
One of the day’s biggest attractions was the bike giveaway, made possible through donations from community businesses, organizations and individuals. Rows of bicycles filled the gym floor at the event center, with bikes for children of all ages — including some as young as 1 — raffled off through a ticket drawing.
Families also visited resource tables offering information and support services while children moved between oversized inflatable obstacle courses, games including cornhole toss and duck pond, and prize stations throughout the afternoon.
Free hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza were served during the event, while Nebraska pageant queens attended for photos and autographs with children.
Returning families pointed to the event’s growth over the years, with some children excitedly noting the bounce houses were even better than last year, underscoring how the annual event has become a tradition for many in the community.
The event also served as a fundraiser supporting Guardians of the Children and its advocacy mission, while highlighting community support for child abuse awareness efforts in April.
Now in its 10th year, the annual gathering has grown into a major community event, pairing awareness and resources with a day centered on celebrating children and families.