The fifth-annual Party inthePark Aug. 12 is only a few weeks away, and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes is putting the final touches on the arrangements for the event which takes place at Veterans Memorial Park.
Most of the events are free and require no pre-registration. However, a $5 wrist band is required for the evening concerts (the bands cost $10 at the gate).
Registration is required to be in the wet/dry parade, Oozefest Mud Volleyball, Kiwanis canoe races, car show and marshmallow eating contest. Hayes has the necessary information for all of these at her City Hall office, 1209 Williams.
The schedule for the party includes:
• 10 a.m. – wet/dry parade. This will run east down 17th Street Terrace. The first half will be dry, but at the end, those watching who want to can exchange water volleys with participants.
“It’s basically a big water fight,” Hayes said. The city has purchased 100 squirt sticks to pass out to spectators.
This is taking place in lieu of the mud run that had been a staple for the party in the past.
• 10:30 a.m. – Oozefest Mud Volleyball. “This is hugely popular,” Hayes said of the event co-sponsored by the Great Bend Recreation Commission. There will be only two pits this year.
• 11 a.m. – dog park fun. There will be vendors and activities for “our furry kids,” Hayes said.
• Noon – Mega Kit Mania. This is a GBRC event featuring giant kites, wind and weather permitting.
• 1 p.m. – canoe races. Sponsored by the Great Bend Kiwanis Club, participants bring their own canoes and kayaks. This marks the second year for the return of this popular event.
• 2 p.m. – Optimist Club kids inflatable fun zone. The club asks for a $2 donation for each child.
• 2 p.m. – the car show starts. Hayes said there were just under 100 cars last year and they hope for over that this year.
• 3 p.m. – marshmallow eating contest. There will be a eating contest, as well as a contest to see how many marshmallows contestants can stuff in their mouths.
• 6 p.m. – gates open for the concerts. Musical entertainment this year includes Emporia country singer Ricky Fugitt, Great Bend-based rock band Home Brew and Stillwater, Okla.-based country singer Jason Boland.
• 8 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Catholic Church National Catholic Youth Conference glow run.
• 10-10:15 – fireworks display. The display will be visible from a large area and one doesn’t have to purchase a wrist band to watch, Hayes said.
In addition, there will be food and other vendors available throughout the day.
This is a city-sponsored celebration. It is a chance for city officials to say thank you to the community. It is also a way to bring family activities back to Vets, Hayes said.
