Following the success of last week’s Art & Wine Walk in Great Bend, Great Bend Alive is looking ahead to the next Fridays on Forest event on June 26. Nicci Henderson, economic and community impact manager with Great Bend Economic Development, reported on both.

“Retailers reported excellent turnout (on June 5), with many sharing that it was the busiest Art & Wine Walk they have experienced in recent years. The event featured a strong mix of local retailers, artists, and community members, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout downtown. We were thrilled with both participation and community engagement,” she said. “Our retailers really got creative this year with some offering entertainment and even food carts. Running this event in conjunction with the Race Week Kickoff brought a lot of traffic downtown.”

Fridays on Forest

Great Bend Alive is looking forward to the remaining Fridays on Forest events this season, Henderson said. “The events have been extremely popular and well received by both residents and visitors, and we continue to expand and improve the experience based on community feedback.”

This year sponsors have added a dedicated Kid Zone and a Cooling Station sponsored by Comfort Pro. They are working on adding additional seating areas and more food vendors, since the events are so well-attended the food vendors often sell out, she said.

“We are committed to building on the momentum and creating a vibrant downtown experience that appeals to all ages. One of the strengths of Great Bend Alive is our willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. As we gather feedback from each event, we continue making improvements throughout the season.”

Planning for next year’s events are also underway. “Our goal is to continue growing experiences that bring people downtown, support local businesses, and create opportunities for the community to connect.”

Under the umbrella of Great Bend Economic Development, Great Bend Alive operates as a community-driven committee. Henderson said they are always looking for volunteers who want to help shape and support downtown events. “Community involvement is what makes these events possible, and we welcome anyone interested in becoming part of the effort.”

For more information email nicci.henderson@gbedinc.com.