For shoppers there was Black Friday — a crush of humanity in the holiday spirit. For elves at the North Pole, the biggest activity leading to Christmas takes place the first Monday in December, when hundreds of kids meet at the Great Bend Auditorium for Santa’s Workshop.

The 14th Annual Santa’s Workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday in the City Auditorium. This free Christmas event is designed for children from preschool age through sixth grade, their families and all who are young at heart.

The public is asked to enter the auditorium through the doors located on the southwest corner.

A mini Santa’s Workshop, which is less intense, is offered for preschoolers in the Recreation Center’s Burnside Room. For this event, enter through the northeast door of the Burnside Room on Stone St.

Great Bend High School students, community volunteers and the Great Bend Recreation Commission staff are working with Santa’s elves and will transform the auditorium into a magical realm. Children can go to any or all of the fun booths for food, craft activities and treats. Free popcorn, candy, prizes and balloons will await everyone.

Santa Claus will be there, hearing children’s wish lists and posing for photos.

There will be entertainment by the Middle School Jazz Band and El Sol Mexican Folk Dancers during the evening.

Volunteers include students from the Great Bend High School Presidents Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, German Club, DECA, Kays & Kayettes, FBLA, FFA, FEA, Pep Club, Theater Club, Art Club, DFYIT, Parents As Teachers, Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC), Barton Community College Phi Theta Kappa, Great Bend Public Library Children’s Department, and representatives from the GBHS freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes. Several local businesses have helped with donations.

For more information contact the Recreation Commission office, 793-3755 ext. 2, or e-mail recreation@gbrc.kscoxmail.com.