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Great Bend Alive takes the reins of the Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest
Great Bend Alive Main Street Logo

Great Bend Alive, the downtown development arm of Great Bend Economic Development, announces that they have been entrusted with organizing the Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest. This beloved annual event, previously managed by the Rosewood Santas Around the World Committee, has brought holiday cheer to our community for four wonderful seasons.

As an active participant in the Kansas Main Street and National Main Street organizations, Great Bend Alive is proud to carry forward the Main Street movement’s mission, recognized as one of the nation’s most effective economic development tools. This movement focuses on revitalizing downtown areas through engaging events, historic preservation, and innovative design.

This year, Great Bend Alive, with the support of a generous anonymous donor, has offered $3,000 in prize money to encourage all downtown businesses to light up their stores, not just the contest windows. Recognizing Great Bend Alive’s commitment to enhancing downtown vibrancy, the Santas Around the World committee has passed the torch to continue this cherished tradition.

Great Bend Alive hopes to inspire businesses and organizations to embrace the holiday spirit, promote holiday shopping, and transform downtown Great Bend into a magical destination. The contest features cash prizes: $1,500 for Judges’ 1st Place, $1,000 for Judges’ 2nd Place, and $500 for the People’s Choice Award.

“Our team is actively reaching out to downtown businesses to gauge their interest in participating in the contest. For businesses that choose not to participate directly, Great Bend Alive will assist in finding an organization, club, or individual to decorate the window for them,” said Sara Arnberger, Executive Director of Great Bend Alive. “Additionally, those without a downtown business can apply to decorate vacant windows. Availability is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties can contact Lee Ann June, GBED Communications Director, at 620-796-2407 or info@gbedinc.com.”

The application deadline for businesses and decorators is Nov. 8. Judging will occur from Nov. 21 through Nov. 29, with winners announced on Dec. 3. For more information and to apply, visit gbedinc.com/lights.