On Thursday, July 28, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development introduced Darren Dale to the Great Bend community for the second time. The first time Dale was publicly introduced was at the press conference in mid-July announcing his involvement in bringing the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo to the community on an annual basis starting next April. This time, however, he was introduced to a select group of community members who have been pivotal in the success of the Great Bend show in the past.
“We felt it was important for Darren and his family to meet the numerous volunteers who have built Great Bend’s reputation as an agricultural hub in the Midwest,” says 2012 show chairperson Jan Westfall. “It was also a great opportunity to express our appreciation for all the time and energy they’ve invested over the years.”
During the meet and greet event, Westfall and Chamber Board Chairperson Ron Straub addressed the crowd of over 150 past and prospective volunteers with optimism for the future of the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo. “We’ve worked diligently for several months to make sure our task force made the decision that is right for the Great Bend community,” Straub said. “Darren is definitely the right choice because of his experience with similar shows and his creative marketing strategies. We’re excited to work with him to build and expand the new annual show and take it into the 21st century.”
The 2012 Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo will be held Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13. These new earlier dates are aimed to better accommodate the busy summer schedules for farmers and exhibitors.
Dates for the 2013-2017 events have also been released on the farm show’s new web site, greatbendfarmandranchexpo.net. For more information about the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo, visit the web site or contact Dale at 785-426-2092. One can also follow the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo on Facebook.