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Many Christmas events in the offing, despite COVID
Jack Kilby lights
Despite cancelation of several favorite holiday events due to COVID-19, there are still a lot of Christmas activities scheduled this year. - photo by Dale Hogg Tribune file photo

The City of Great Bend is bound and determined not to let the Grinch, or in this case COVID-19, steal Christmas this year, Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said.

Sure, the pandemic and the need for social distancing forced the cancelation of the Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival that were set for this weekend. But, many events remain in the offing, she said.

“We really do have a lot going on,” Hayes said as she rattled off the upcoming activities. Some of the traditions look a little different, and some have been delayed a week, but the city will continue and usher in the Yuletide season.

Below is a summary of what’s in store:


Saturday

• Rosewood Services Christmas Cookie Contest will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 with 21 business taking part. The winner will be announced during a Rosewood Furniture Gallery Facebook live event at about 5 p.m.

There is a $5 suggested fee to participate.

• The downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest will take place. The winner will be announced during an Explore Great Bend Facebook live event at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2.

“We really want people to go out and look at these,” Hayes said. “They are amazing.”

This is a free event for the public.

• Saturday is the last day to register at participating businesses to win the $1,000 prize. 

The winner will be announced during an Explore Great Bend Facebook live event at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2.

This is a free event for the public.

• The Dilly and Doc pop-up market will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 11th and Main.

• The Golden Belt Model Railroaders Association will have its model train display at 1315 Main. Masks are required and hours will be posted. (This Saturday, it is open from 4-9 p.m.)

• Saturday is the first night for the Trail of Lights lighted Christmas decorations. The trail opens and greeters will be available 6-8 p.m. at the Brit Spaugh Park south entrance.

This is a free event for the public.

• At some point in Brit Spaugh Park, Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt will hand out free hot chocolate Saturday. “We want to do this so everyone can remain socially distanced,” he said.


Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 3-24

• Santas Around the World will open at 1223 Main, and Santa will begin to make his weekly visits to Great Bend then as well.

The hours are 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 20, and 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

For parents who don’t want their children to sit on Santa’s lap due to COVID concerns, their kids can give Santa letters with their Christmas wish lists.

Letters can also be dropped off at City Hall, 1209 Williams St., or at the Great Bend Recreation Commission, 1214 Stone.

This is a free event for the public, but donations are welcomed.

• Free ice skating in Jack Kilby Square downtown will begin.

The hours are 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

This was delayed for a week since the city personnel needed to set up for it were quarantined due to COVID.

For more information on the Cookie Contest, contact Rosewood by calling 620-793-5888.

For more on the city events, call the city at 620-793-4111.