Great Bend’s holiday events calendar explodes this week as Thanksgiving and the annual Home for the Holidays celebration approaches.
The Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College will be open today from 1-5 p.m., with the opening of the National Quilt Guild Museum’s latest exhibit. This year the Quilt Guild Museum features award-winning quilts using the Jacobs Ladder pattern. Shafer Gallery is also showing trees decorated by area school children. The display will be open through Dec. 15.
Friday, Nov. 29, is Black Friday. Those who shop in Great Bend can look for businesses participating in the Explore Great Bend promotions, and register for the $1,000 grand prize at Saturday’s drawing.
The Optimist Club Christmas tree sales start Friday in the Westgate Shopping Center, 1649 K-96. Hours are 8-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, while supply lasts.
Saturday, Nov. 30, is Small Business Saturday, and the last chance to register for the $1,000 giveaway and other prizes.
In the afternoon, pet owners can take part in the second annual “Get off your Butt and Walk your Mutt,” from 1-4 p.m. at 1400 Main. This event is sponsored by the local Adopt-A-Pet an proceeds will help the Golden Belt Humane Society.
The Santas Around the World exhibit at 1223 Main also opens Saturday, from 1-8 p.m. Inside are 22 life-size Santas, from nations around the globe, handcrafted by Great Bend artist Loretta Miller. Ten years ago, Miller’s work help Great Bend to be featured on A & E Network’s “Ultimate Holiday Town USA.”
Foundry Methodist Church will continue its tradition of offering “Living Nativity Portraits” in the Barton County Courthouse Square, from 5-7:30 p.m. this Saturday. Visit the Nativity scene and pose for a family photo – provided at no charge as a gift from the church.
The Home for the Holidays parade down Main Street starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Then, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting is set for 6:15 in the courthouse square.
Activities continue after the tree lighting. Rosewood Services will provide free horse-drawn wagon rides, and kids can ride the City Train or enjoy free ice skating. Hot chocolate and hot dogs will be available.
Kids can meet the real, live Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after the parade at the Santas Around the World, 1221 Main.
Great Bend Public Library will open its doors at 6:30 p.m. The Children’s Department will have activities that include bingo, a scavenger hunt, crafts and the holiday video, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Friends of the Library will also have a book sale.