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Sixth Annual June Jaunt returns Friday, with fresh slate of fun
Vets Park activities cancelled; Glow Run is a go
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June Jaunt returns for the sixth time this weekend. On Friday night, Jack Kilby Square will be the place for car show enthusiasts and cruisers alike, like these pictured in this 2016 Tribune file photo. The Main Street Cruise Night and Car Show is happening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. - photo by Tribune file photo

Five years ago, June Jaunt made its premiere, encouraging locals and travelers along K-96 to “get their fix” of fun and fantastic entertainment as they journey from Tribune at the Colorado border, east to Barton County. This year, Great Bend is the ultimate destination for fun.
Some activities listed on the June Jaunt schedule, specifically those planned to happen at Veterans Memorial Park, have been canceled due to high waters from recent rains. The sand volleyball courts are full, so the tournament is canceled, as is the community barbecue planned in conjunction with the tournament.
It is important to note, however, that the Golden Belt Glow for Life 5K Run/1 mile Walk planned for Friday evening at Veterans Park will be held despite the high water. The event is held to promote suicide prevention. It starts at 7:15 p.m. and runs until 10:30.
More activities for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are listed on Facebook at Explore Great Bend.
“We hope the public takes this opportunity to attend (Sunday’s) Gardens Galore event featuring four of the city’s private gardens,” said Christina Hayes, Great Bend community coordinator.
Starting Friday, visitors have two opportunities to win $50 gift cards to use in any Great Bend store. The

Badge Hunt, Monopoly
Fire and Police Chief’s Badge Hunt will provide clues throughout the day on facebook.
June Jaunt Monopoly is more interactive, and play has been extended to give shoppers in Great Bend the time needed to fully participate, Hayes said. First, Monopoly board game pieces can be picked up at Great Bend City Offices, or at any of the 28 participating stores around Great Bend. Shoppers then visit at least 18 stores where they answer Community Chest trivia questions. Once they have the required number of questions answered, they can drop off or mail in their cards to the Great Bend City Offices. Play continues until June 4. That evening, Hayes will draw five winners who will receive $50 gift cards that can be used in any of the participating stores.
Friday afternoon at Jack Kilby Square, starting at 4 p.m., the Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market will be set up, followed by June Jaunt Cruise Night. This year, the car show will be a come-and go event, Hayes said. That way, participants can take part in the evening June Jaunt Cruise up and down Main Street starting at 6 p.m. Register for the car show at Jack Kilby Square and then park, cruise, or both, she said.
“This will be just like old-time cruising, bumper to bumper, and anyone who wants to participate is welcome,” she added.
When the sun goes down, a free outdoor movie, “Big Hero 6,” will be shown on the big screen. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Other activities around town will include races at the SRCA Dragstrip and Great Bend Birdhouse Scavenger Hunt. The Great Bend Cats semi-pro baseball team will play the Hays Larks at Al Burns Stadium, West 17th St. Terrace, at 7 p.m.
“This year’s June Jaunt is really something Great Bend can be proud of,” Hayes said. “We have great acts coming, great events happening, great community excitement and the atmosphere is always so fun.”

Saturday downtown
That fun builds momentum on Saturday, with Jumbo Yard Games, live music, entertainment and lots more throughout the day at Jack Kilby Square.
Early risers can start the day with Yoga in the Park, led by Great Bend’s own Morgan Stevens of Yoga Central at 8 a.m. Then, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Barton County Health Department and the Kansas Masonic Foundation are offering outreach cancer screening at the Health Department office at 1300 Kansas Ave. Call 620-793-1902 to reserve a spot. The afternoon will heat up with the annual Great Bend Business Olympics from 1-3 p.m. in the square, and from 2-11 p.m. the community beer garden will be open. Check out the full lineup of live music and entertainment listed in this paper.

Sunday events
Sunday, in addition to the garden tour, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center will hold a free origami workshop, with registration being taken at 877-243-9268. The fun winds up with America’s favorite pastime, a semi-pro baseball game featuring the Great Bend Cats vs. the Hays Larks at Al Burns Memorial Field starting at 7 p.m.
The idea behind the Great Bend June Jaunt is to give locals a hometown festival that they can create memories with, Hayes said. The basic concept is the same each year, but Hayes and staff change up the offerings to keep the event fresh and fun for newcomers and those returning for another year.