Apr 19, 2022

Great Bend’s downtown consumption district expands for events

Posted Apr 19, 2022 2:08 AM
The alleyway between Forest and Lakin was added to Great Bend's downtown Common Consumption Area for "Final Fridays on Forest" beginning April 29.
The alleyway between Forest and Lakin was added to Great Bend's downtown Common Consumption Area for "Final Fridays on Forest" beginning April 29.

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Your ability to walk outside in downtown Great Bend with an alcoholic beverage on select Fridays has just expanded.

The Great Bend City Council approved the requested extension of the boundaries of the Common Consumption Area for Great Bend Alive, Inc., a group organized by the Great Bend Economic Development.

Last August, the city council approved barricading a portion of Forest Avenue, from Williams to Main, to provide live music, food and beverages. Great Bend Eco Devo Director Sara Hayden said based on popularity, there is need to grow the consumption district down the alleyway between Forest and Lakin Avenue.

"One of the other benefits of this is the businesses on the alley get to participate," said Hayden. "Gambino's Pizza gets to serve out their back door. The Buckle is excited about having shop nights in addition to this. MPIRE Reality has a building there and they're excited to participate, and Dry Lake Brewing is on that alley as well."

The last Friday of the month, during nice weather, is designated as “Final Fridays on Forest”. Hayden said last year there were well over 500 people that attended each event.

The first “Final Fridays on Forest” is scheduled for April 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.