The Kiwanis Club’s fourth annual Halloween Costume Drive drew a record crowd last Saturday at the Great Bend Public Library, club member Barb Esfeld said.
Around 200 children attended the Oct. 17 event – compared to 60 in 2014. The Library and the Kiwanis Club invite people to donate new or used costumes so that children who need one can come in and pick something out.
Although the number of children seeking costumes had more than tripled, the supply of available outfits had dwindled this year. Three days before the event, Esfeld and Children’s Librarian Dayna Ball took inventory and realized they didn’t have many costumes. They asked local businesses for help, and the community came through.
“I would like to say thank you to all who donated costumes to make so many kids happy,” Esfeld said. Donations came from Abbey Carpet and Floor, Great Bend Co-op and Lasting Life Ministries. Then the Salvation Army provided several costumes.
The 2015 exchange is over but the library is still accepting donations for next year. New or used costumes, or money to buy costumes, can be dropped off at the library during normal business hours.
“We will be accepting donations up through Nov. 9 at the library,” Esfeld said.

Saturday events
This Saturday, the Kiwanis Club and the two Aktion Clubs it sponsors – one at Rosewood Services and one at Sunflower Diversified Services – will sponsor the annual Halloween Parade, at 11 a.m. in downtown Great Bend. As usual, there will be costume judging after the parade at the band shell in the courthouse square.

There will also be entertainment by children’s musician Randy Sauer (randysmusicjam.com), a public school music teacher from Hays. He combines familiar songs and original fun activities. The “Randy’s Music Jam” program has been performed at music events throughout the Midwest.

Here is the complete calendar for the next few days:

FRIDAY
Stop ‘n Learn: “Safety and Security” — 1 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave. Free program presented by Great Bend Police Chief Cliff Couch.
Children’s Movie — 4 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library.
Fear Fest: Necropolis (House of the Dead) — 7 p.m. to midnight. Park at the city park in Albert; $6 admission ($3 for kids 12 years and younger) includes hay ride to and from haunted house, haunted games, coffee and tea.
Haunted Heights 2015 — 7:30 p.m. at 154 S. Main, Hoisington. See www.hauntedheights.net.

SATURDAY
Walk-in blood screening — 6:30 to 10 a.m. at St. Rose Health Center. No appointment needed; a short form can be completed at St. Rose or online by visiting www.strosehc.com.
Farmers Market — 7 a.m. to noon in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, 1409 Williams St.
Golden Belt Wood Carvers’ annual Carve-n-Show — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sutherland’s, 5520 10th St.
Halloween Parade — 11 a.m. on the sidewalks of Main Street in Great Bend. Music by Randy Sauer starts at 10:30 a.m. at the band shell in the courthouse square. After the parade, return to the band shell for more music and for costume judging. Prizes awarded.
Halloween Photos — 1 to 5 p.m. at Walgreen’s, 10th and McKinley.
Free guided bird tour — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Bottoms. To reserve a spot on the tour, call the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 877-243-9268.
Bob & Roy’s Steak Night — 5 to 7 p.m. at the Great Bend American Legion, 1011 Kansas Ave.
Zoo Boo — 6 to 8 p.m. at the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo.
Dueling Pianos fundraiser (176 Keys) — 6 to 10 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center; raising money for the Argonne All-Star Cheer program. Cash bar by Rosewood Winery, catered dinner. Two-hour show starts around 8 p.m. Mature audiences.
Fear Fest: Necropolis (House of the Dead) — 7 p.m. to midnight. Park at the city park in Albert.
Haunted Heights 2015 — 7:30 p.m. at 154 S. Main, Hoisington.

SUNDAY
Holy Name Catholic Church Fall Dinner — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bushton Community Center. Roast beef dinner with salad bar and pie; adult and children’s raffles; bingo; cake wheel; and children’s games.
Sunday Lunch Buffet — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1120 Kansas Ave., Great Bend. Fried chicken, ham.


MONDAY
Teen Movie: The Witches — 4 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library.
History presentation: “Kansas Anti Horse Thief Societies” — 7 p.m. at the Barton County Historical Society Museum. Free program by author John K. Burchill.

TUESDAY
Barton County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccination outreach — At Susank Agco Corporation 8:30-9:30 a.m.; Beaver Fire Station 10-11 a.m.; Odin Store 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Claflin Fire Station 1- 2 p.m.
Halloween Party — 1 to 2 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave.
Student Music Recital — 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Fine Arts Building, Barton Community College. Instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.

WEDNESDAY
Barton County Health Department flu and pneumonia vaccination outreach — At Galatia Fire Station 8- 9 a.m.;  The New Place in Olmitz, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Albert City Building 1-2 p.m.; and Pawnee Rock City Office 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Barton Wrestling (intra-squad scrimmage) — 6 p.m. at the Kirkman Activity Center, BCC.

FRIDAY, Oct. 30
Red Cross Bloodmobile — 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Technical Building, T-85 (Case New Holland Training Building), at Barton Community College.
Children’s Movie: Hocus Pocus — 4 p.m. at the Great Bend Public Library.
Which Brew? — 7 to 11 p.m. at The Long Drive Driving Range, South Hoisington. Hoisington Chamber of Commerce hosts this adults-only party to determine Hoisington’s favorite beer. Free admission. Come in costume and compete to win a $50 Chamber gift certificate. Music, games, fire pits, free popcorn and peanuts will be available.
Halloween Bash — 7 p.m. to midnight at The Elk Lodge, 1120 Kansas Ave. Social hour, then Timber Creek DJ; breakfast at midnight. Prizes for best costume or come as you are; members and guests.  
Haunted Heights 2015 — 7:30 p.m. at 154 S. Main, Hoisington. See www.hauntedheights.net.

SATURDAY, Oct. 31
Halloween
St. Paul Women’s Guild Bazaar — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 301 E. Nassau, Holyrood. Chili, chicken noodle soup, sandwiches, pie; food table, crafts, “nearly new” table and halo noodles.
Haunted Heights 2015 — 7:30 p.m. at 154 S. Main, Hoisington.

FARMERS MARKET
Farmers Market — 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot, 1409 Williams St.