The Great Bend Renaissance Fair is starting to take off, organizer David LeRoy told the Great Bend City Council Monday night. So, in his annual request for financial assistance he asked for less than in years past.
The council approved pitching in $300 for the annual event. This is down from previous years when $500 was requested.
 “It’s that time of year again,” LeRoy said of the fair in a letter to the council. The event is set for Oct. 4 and 5 at the Great Bend Zoo. 
This marks the second year the event would be held at the zoo. It had been at the Barton County Fairgrounds west of town, but the in-town location worked better, LeRoy said.
The council also approved allowing city staff to help with picnic tables, trash pick-up and other needs. Fair participants will also have access to the grounds on Friday, Oct. 3, for set up.
“Last year the event broke even,” LeRoy said in the letter. “This is a major victory for us and, I believe, a sign that this event is good for our community.
“I know that we are close to standing on our own and my hope is that after this we will not need financial support from the city,” he said. You have been wonderful to our event so far and I believe that for this event to truly be considered successful it has to be so not just for me but also for you as leaders of our community. Events like this make our city better and I can’t express enough how much your help and support is appreciated.”