Organizers of the first “Light to Unite” glow run/bike/walk announced Thursday morning that the event planned for that evening had been canceled. No one wanted to risk injuries with so much ice along the roads.
Originally, the event had a default date of Jan. 18, but Great Bend City Coordinator Christina Hayes said the event – a new fundraiser for the United Way of Central Kansas – will be rescheduled for the holidays in 2014.
The original idea was that a night bike ride from Veterans Memorial Park or a run or walk from Brit Spaugh Park, with everyone finishing in the courthouse square, would be something to do after Thanksgiving. Perhaps, in addition to the Home for the Holidays parade and activities the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Light to Unite could be held that Friday.
Although the 2013 event was put together quickly, organizers (which included the Great Bend Tribune, Be Well Barton County and the City of Great Bend) did put some thought into the event, especially when it came to safety issues. We look forward to seeing this event launch in late November.