The job of city administrator isn’t all about pot holes and snow removal. On Monday, Great Bend City Administrator Howard Partington joined Community Coordinator Christina Hayes as she talked to the city council about plans for Party in the Park on Aug. 16.
“We need more festivals — events,” Partington said. The first Party in the Park was held last September, but the earlier date will ensure warm weather for one of the most popular activities at the Party, a mud volleyball tournament. A fun run and fireworks also received positive comments, Partington said.
“We’re going to take what worked and try to expand on it.” The City-sponsored picnic in the park was one activity that “didn’t work.”
A highlight of the first Party was a concert in the park, featuring local musician Ricky Fugitt and regional talent Logan Mize, which was attended by approximately 750 people.
Brandy Clark is expected to be the headliner for this year’s concert, as the city council voted 7-0 Monday to move ahead with planning the event and signing the artist. The Grammy nominated songwriter’s tunes have been recorded by Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves, and now she has released her own album. Videos of Clark’s single “Stripes” can be found on the Internet, including her Jan. 16 appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgQ7Y1U2M2A).
The City’s plan is to pair the main act with a band that does cover songs. Last year, some concert-goers got up and danced to familiar songs.
Hayes said the Aug. 16 date won’t be in conflict with the Barton County Fair, Ellinwood After Harvest Festival or Hoisington Labor Day Celebration.

Trail of Lights report
Hayes also reported on last year's Trail of Lights, which drew thousands of visitors. Volunteers surveyed people in 2,326 vehicles, Hayes reported.
Most visitors – 1,894 of the vehicles counted – were from Barton County, but there were 77 from Pawnee County, 40 from Stafford County and 38 from Rice County. A total of 54 Kansas counties made an appearance.
In addition to 2,266 vehicles from Kansas, there were 13 from Missouri, 13 from Texas and 12 from Oklahoma. Vehicles from Nebraska, Colorado, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Idaho, Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming were also seen, along with one vehicle from out of the United States.