In Barton County this weekend, it’s all about giving back, and having a good time doing it.  Three opportunities are on The Great Bend Tribune newsroom calendar, and the Great Bend Brit-Spaugh Zoo, families of Veterans and deployed servicemen, and a host of other charitable institutions stand to benefit.  
The Ellinwood American Legion presents the fourth annual Ellinwood Craft Beer Festival Saturday from 2-8 p.m. at the American Legion Park at the corner of Santa Fe and Main Street.  Those wearing wristbands will have a chance to sample 33 different varieties of craft beers they may not otherwise be able to sample due to limited or no availability in the area.  The proceeds allow the American Legion to offer support to the families of servicemen, many of whom must serve multiple tours of duty during their six-year obligation.  
Nex-Tech and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to bring Wine in the Wild Saturday night from 6-9 p.m., where ticket-holders will enjoy wine samplings, food tastings, live music and a silent auction along with a stroll through the zoo.  All proceeds will benefit the Great Bend Zoological Society.
Then, on Sunday, the United Way of Central Kansas will host the annual Bowl N’ One at the Walnut Bowl from 1-4 p.m.  This is a fun, family activity that brings in needed support for all United Way charities in the region.   
According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “a typical Kansas household donated 4.8 percent of its discretionary income to charity. Kansans also rank high in donations of time: 36 percent volunteer, well above the national average of 26 percent.”
Is it any wonder that Kansas, according to the 2013 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, was among the 10 happiest states in the union?
Giving and volunteering are part of our Kansas tradition.  You may not be able to get to all three events, though it is tempting.  But, with Kansas State off and the University of Kansas out of town this weekend, there’s no better time to get out and try at least one.

— Veronica Coons