On Saturday, Sept. 19, downtown Great Bend will come alive with music, laughter, activities, food and opportunities to connect as The Center for Counseling & Consultation hosts HopeFest at Jack Kilby Square.
At its heart, HopeFest is about community mental well-being — but organizers want people to know you don’t need a particular reason or personal connection to mental health or recovery to attend.
HopeFest was created for everyone.
The day brings together activities for children, teens, adults and families, with entertainment and experiences happening throughout the square from morning into the evening. Visitors can stop by for an hour, spend the afternoon exploring or make an entire day of it.
HopeFest begins at 7 a.m. with a Sunrise Remembrance Ceremony honoring lives lost to suicide before transitioning into a day filled with movement, creativity, entertainment and connection.
Throughout the day, guests will find live music, fitness activities, a petting zoo and pony rides, a youth talent showcase, magic, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, interactive community booths, food vendors, art and activities for all ages. The HopeFest art gallery, “Because Every Story Deserves to Be Seen,” will showcase artwork exploring mental health, healing, resilience, struggle, growth, recovery and hope.
The variety is intentional.
Mental well-being isn’t only about what happens when someone is struggling. It is also strengthened through connection, movement, creativity, laughter and belonging. HopeFest is designed to create more of those moments while making conversations about mental health, suicide prevention and substance use a natural part of community life.
An event of this size would not be possible without the businesses, organizations and individuals who have stepped forward to support that vision. The Center is especially grateful to its top-level Hope Advocate sponsors: The University of Kansas Health System, Passages of Hope, Kansas State Senator Tory Marie Blew, Innovative Groups, Brentwood Builders and Wendy Lockwood.
Their support, along with the generosity of all HopeFest sponsors and community partners, helps make the majority of the day’s activities and entertainment available to the community free of charge. A complete list of sponsors and additional event information can be found at thecentergb.org/hopefest.
The day will culminate at the Crest Theatre with nationally recognized recovery comedian Mark Lundholm. Lundholm has spent decades using comedy to talk about addiction, recovery and the wonderfully imperfect experience of being human. His fast-paced, relatable comedy promises to close HopeFest with plenty of laughter.
Tickets for the Mark Lundholm finale can be purchased or reserved online in advance, with tickets also available for purchase at the Crest Theatre box office the evening of the show.
Whether you come to remember someone, celebrate recovery, learn something new, support your community — or simply enjoy a great Saturday downtown — there is a place for you at HopeFest. For complete schedule, sponsor list, and event information, visit: www.thecentergb.org/hopefest.
