By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In an effort to promote downtown shopping as well as art and culture in Great Bend, the Art & Wine Walk was created 11 years ago. Local artists get assigned to a participating store where the artist’s work is displayed.
Amanda Gaddis, Visitor’s Service Representative at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the event has been a big hit in the past.
"It will be held on May 2 in downtown Great Bend," said Gaddis. "It's been an extremely successful event in the past, and the community really looks forward to this one every year."
A unique piece to the event is that businesses provide complimentary alcohol to customers within their stores. State statutes allow for unlicensed businesses to serve complimentary alcohol on their premises for events that promote the arts, with governing body approval. The Great Bend City Council approved the ordinance needed for the 11th annual Art & Wine Walk.
People travel to the participating stores, taste food and wine and experience the variety of art.