By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes referred to the Saturday after Thanksgiving as the day that all the Christmas fun opens. It’s quite the grand opening this Saturday, the day of the Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival.
Hayes said this will be the 19th consecutive year that the festival has been planned.
"I think this event is so popular and important to our community because it's the longest running festival we have," said Hayes. "We want this one to keep going. I think people show up because of tradition. It's always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's when the lights open and when Santa comes to town."
On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Cookie Contest will be taking place downtown where anyone can judge homemade cookies at local businesses. A lighted parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. down Main Street. The mayor and Santa Claus will light the tree in Jack Kilby Square following the parade.
Hayes said there will be plenty of ride opportunities, including on the city train.
"It has been a couple of years since we have brought the city train out," said Hayes. "Of course there will be the wagon rides, carriage rides and trolley rides. This is the night to celebrate Christmas, get together with family and have a good time."
Hot dogs, funnel cakes and hot chocolate will be given away for free. The night also includes a petting zoo and a Christmas cornhole tournament.
