Santa and his elves will move their operations from the North Pole to Great Bend on Monday evening. The 16th annual Santa’s Workshop runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Great Bend City Auditorium.
Children and their parents should enter the auditorium through the south doors for this free evening of games, entertainment, Christmas crafts and treats, said Garet Fitzpatrick, program coordinator at the Great Bend Recreation Commission. Santa’s Workshop is designed for children from preschool age through the sixth grade. Younger children and those who need a less intense experience may attend a mini Santa’s Workshop in the Burnside Room, located on the west side of the auditorium in the Great Bend Recreation Center.
While waiting to see Santa, children can proceed to the activities or enjoy free popcorn, candy, balloons and prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the Great Bend Middle School Jazz Band and El Sol Mexican Folk Dancers.
Each year a number of volunteers help the Great Bend Recreation Commission manage this event, which draws hundreds of people. The mini workshop is conducted by Parents As Teachers, Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC), Sunflower Early Education Center, Incredible Years Preschool and Great Bend Public Library’s Children’s Department.
Students from the Great Bend High School Presidents Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, World Language Club, DECA, Kays and Kayettes, FBLA, FFA, FEA, Pep Club, Theatre Club, Art Club and representatives from the freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior classes lend a hand. Other volunteers include the Barton Community College Sports Medicine staff and BCC Early Childhood Department.
More than two dozen businesses, the Kiwanis, Optimist and Rotary clubs, along with the GBRC and City of Great Bend, provide donations for this event.