A couple weeks back, the City of Great Bend sponsored its second-annual Christmas in July, an event to encourage traffic in businesses during the dog days of summer. But, Christina Hayes, community coordinator and Convention and Visitors Bureau director, said things are in the works for the community’s actual Christmas celebration, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

“I am looking at my calendar planning things and Oct. 1 is already the holiday schedule deadline,” she told the City Council Monday night. “Everything’s due and we have to make our holiday phone calls and find out what our holiday plans are.” 

But, what differences will there be and what changes will have to be made in light of COVID19? Santa comes to town and will kids want to sit on his lap? 

“I do think that we will go ahead with our holiday festival,” she said. “I think social distancing is possible for our parade and festival.”

A lot of the partners have already said that they’re interested in still participating, she said. They will be giving away free funnel cakes, free hotdogs and free hot chocolate. 

“So, I think at this point, we’re doing really good,” she said. And, as a sneak peek for the holiday season, businesses and nonprofits will be invited to participate in a Christmas window decorating contest with the top prize being $1,500 dollars. 

“That will be a real big incentive from a private donor who’s wanting to really make us a Christmas city,” Hayes said. More information and details will be released Friday in the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce newsletter. 

“I would really like to encourage not only businesses and nonprofits to participate, but also residents,” she said. “It’s been such a rough year, not only in our city, but our state, and our nation and the world. Maybe Christmas can be a place where we can bring smiles and some happiness, and see lots of lights for our Christmas city here in Great Bend.”