The sixth annual Blessed Bike Rally received the Great Bend City Council’s blessing on Monday, when the council approved requests for the August event.

The council authorized blocking off parking stalls on the north side of Lakin Avenue between Kansas Avenue and Main Street on Aug. 16-18 for vendors to set up and tear down. Lakin Avenue will be closed from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 17, and individuals will be authorized to stay overnight in Jack Kilby Square for security of the event from Aug. 16 through Aug. 18.

Cross Winds of Kansas Bikers Church sponsors this family-friendly gathering. Members estimated about 450 people attended last year. In filing their request for the street closure, the sponsors obtained signatures from downtown business owners and offered to promote them as vendors if they choose. Sponsors also asked that the splash pad on the south side of the courthouse and the bathrooms in the band shell be open that day.

Saturday will feature bike blessings, inflatable bounce houses, motorcycle games, live music, and food and merchandise vendors.

That Sunday, Aug. 18, will start with a Cross Winds of Kansas Bikers Church service. Cleanup will start in the afternoon.