The first “We Are Barton” event was held Friday, April 7, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium. Community partners offered a free bounce house, face painting, games and other activities. The Easter Bunny was a special guest.

Outside, Great Bend Police officers cooked and served free hotdogs. Next door, children could walk into the Great Bend Fire Station and get a close-up look at the trucks.

Community partners were promoting Child Abuse Prevention Month, according to Vicki Richardson with the Kansas Children’s Service League. Partners for this event, which went on from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., were the Family Crisis Center, Kansas Children’s Service League, Department of Children and Families, GBPD, GBFD, 911 Communications, Juvenile Justice Association, Avenues for Change, The Center for Counseling and Consultation, Great Bend Health Department and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Donors included the Great Bend Recreation Commission, Golden Belt Bicycle, Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and Daylight Donuts.