Two of Great Bend’s downtown holiday traditions are back this year: free ice skating and visits with Santa.
The rink with artificial ice is again set up in the Barton County Courthouse Square. Any ice skates will work on it and skates are available to borrow Thursday & Friday from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 1-6 p.m., through Dec. 20.
Tim Jacobs with the Great Bend Park Department said 45 people checked out skates last Sunday. Every now and then he sees someone bring their own ice skates. “A lot of kids just like to ‘skate’ in their socks,” he said.
Last Thursday afternoon, 7-year-old Jaxton Leiker and 12-year-old Breanna Adelhardt, a brother and sister who attend Lincoln Elementary School, were trying out the rink for the second time this year. After skating, they crossed the street to visit Santa Claus at the Santas Around the World exhibit located at 1223 Main St. Santa will be at that location to visit with children Thursday & Friday from 4-6 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 1-6 p.m., including Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Visits with Santa have always been free and this year so is admission to the Santas Around the World Exhibit, which is open whenever Santa is there. Freewill donations are appreciated and go to the Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation’s Santas Maintenance Fund.
Twenty-four life-sized Santas, representing countries and regions from around the world, appear in a winter wonderland of lighted trees and festive holiday décor.
The multi-cultural Santas are a collection that span five years of work and artistry by Great Bend artist Loretta Miller. The Santas have gained state and national recognition since their creation. Arts & Entertainment Network even featured Miller’s Santas in a 2003 holiday special, titled “Ultimate HolidayTown USA.”
Mike Dawes from Rosewood Services said dozens of children stopped by to visit with Santa last weekend. Sponsors are taking extra safety precautions this year – there’s plenty of hand sanitizer available and they appreciate everyone following state health guidelines when visiting.
Other attractions
Another holiday tradition that continues in Great Bend is the Trail of Lights, through Dec. 31. Enjoy a drive through Great Bend after dark to view The Twelve Days of Christmas at Veterans Park, Lafayette Lights in the Barton County Courthouse Square, Wild Lights at Brit Spaugh Park, and a Nativity scene at 10th Street and K-96. Donations are welcome; volunteers will be at Brit Spaugh Park most evenings through Dec. 22.
The Golden Belt Model Railroad Association’s public display at 1315 Main St. is open from 5:30-7 p.m. this Thursday and will also be open from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27.
Hoisington
In addition to the Trail of Lights, there are plenty of home decorations to enjoy throughout Barton County. One that was suggested to Great Bend Tribune readers is a free drive-by Christmas light display at 252 West 15th St. in Hoisington. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There are 20,000 color-changing lights synchronized to music; tune the car radio to 101.5 FM.
