The Nextech Zoo Fest at Great Bend’s Brit Spaugh Zoo is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. That will be the first time the general public can purchase tickets for the fall fundraiser, a program by animal expert Jack Hanna, Zoo Director Scott Gregory said.
Members of the Great Bend Zoological Society will have the first opportunity to buy tickets for the fall program. They will be able to buy tickets starting Sunday, June 1, for the discounted price of $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Tickets will only be sold at the zoo, Gregory said. Starting June 7, those who are not members of the Zoo Society may purchase them for the price of $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Zoo Fest is a free event featuring bounce houses, face painting, drawings for prizes and fee hotdogs, Gregory said. Zookeepers will be showing some of the animals.
“Nextech is a big supporter of the zoo,” he said. However, after sponsoring the event for several years, Nextech announced this will be its last Zoo Fest.
As a fundraiser for Great Bend’s Brit Spaugh Zoo, Hanna and his assistants  will perform entertaining skits and showcase different animals that travel in his tour, on Oct. 16 at the Fine Arts Auditorium of Barton Community College. Only 650 tickets are available. A meet-and-greet with Hanna will occur before the presentation. There will be a VIP reception for sponsors, and sponsorships are still being accepted at this time.
As director of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo and Aquarium, Hanna became a media staple because of his television appearances on David Letterman, Good Morning America and Larry King Live, among others. His fun and outgoing television personality, along with animals he showcases, help him be an ambassador for the wild and zoos all over the nation, sponsors said. Attendees will learn more about wild animals and find out the importance of zoo preservation and culture.
Joe Cannon, president of the Great Bend Zoological Society, said the organization is thrilled to have Hanna come to Great Bend.
 “Jack is a great leader for small zoos and his accomplishments directly line up with what we are trying to accomplish for the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo,” Cannon said. The Zoo Society’s mission is to educate the public and encourage wildlife conservation while providing an enriched zoo experience.
For answers to any questions or for more information visit greatbendzooevent.com or call Gregory, 620-793-4226.