BY DALE HOGGdhogg@gbtribune.com Making way for Great Bend’s Party in the Park Aug. 12, the Great Bend City Council Wednesday night approved key components of the annual city-sponsored celebration held at Veterans Memorial Park.“I am really excited about Party in the Park and what we have planned,” Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said.”We’re changing things up little.”The council approved: • The closure and blocking off of McKinley Street and 17th Street Terrace starting at 9:50 a.m. to allow for the first-ever Great Bend Wet/Dry Parade. This will run east down 17th Street Terrace. The first half will be dry, but at the end, those watching who want to can exchange water volleys with participants.“It’s basically a big water fight,” Hayes said.