Have you ever seen a monkey riding an alligator while walking a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a rowboat? 

One of Kelly Smith’s hobbies is making animatronics. The inaugural motion display by Smith, a new Great Bend resident, is bright and welcoming. A quick stop at 3115 Broadway Ave. is meant to add a bit of magic and wonder to those who pass by. 

“I’ve been doing it for years in different states,” Smith said. “I’m just trying to bring a little magic to the kids that might not get to Disneyland or somewhere. They can have a little taste of it in their hometown.” 

He’s spurring imagination with something fun and free. A recent inhabitant of Souix Falls, S.D., Smith came to Great Bend for the small-town feel and the more mild winters. He said he heard good things about Great Bend.

“It’s got the small-town feel but not too rural. It’s got a nice balance of plenty of stores and can get stuff online what you can’t get locally,” he said. Smith said he had taken and shared a video of a parade in Ellinwood that was popular with his friends and family, who enjoyed seeing that small-town Americana flavor was still alive and well. 

His animated projects were a big hit with fans young and old in Maine and in South Dakota, and other places he’s lived around the country.

Each creation doesn’t last too long, he said. “I like to keep it fresh and I get bored with them so I’ll tear them down and do something else. I’m acquiring more hardware. This was just an introductory with no theme, but I like to have a theme for like Christmas or whatever.” 

It’s been out for a week, but it won’t last long as Smith said he gets new inspiration from finds at thrift stores and acquires items to create new pieces.

“I heard Halloween is a big around here, too, so I might do something for that,” he said. 

“I’d like to do something like an oil pump jack but I thrift most of the items so I don’t think I’ll find one of those there. I like to create things to keep my mind sharp.” 

A new resident, Smith has already ventured out to local businesses and attractions with a recent trip to Fort Hays and the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum. He is already a member of the Barton Historical Society and a Great Bend Tribune subscriber. “I found my lawn guy on the back page of the paper.” 

He’s got a list of restaurants he’s still yet to try, and said he’s really enjoying his time in Great Bend so far and had a good meal at the HandleBar and Grill recently.

Smith is a thrift store patron and his creations spark the imagination. Then, when he’s through with the individual items he donates them back if they aren’t torn up. 

“I do it to help keep my mind active and try different things. People of all ages seem to enjoy it,” he said. He added some people aren’t sure how to get it to work by pressing the button but once people find it they usually get pretty popular and they come back for each installation. 

Smith said he is looking forward to Halloween. His Realtor prepared him since his house sits on Broadway Street, a traditional high-traffic area for trick-or-treaters. Smith said he hasn’t had trick or treaters for years since his previous residences have been in more northern states. 

His light-hearted attitude and enthusiasm are contagious. His creations are unique and joyful. 

Not wanting to spoil the magic of how he makes them move here, the retired telecommunications worker is happy to share, though you’ll just have to ask him yourself. 

Will you push the mystery button?