By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger and Communications Director Lee Ann June are big fans of Christmas. It's a good fit, then, that Great Bend Alive is taking charge of the fifth annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. June said businesses must submit applications to participate by Nov. 8.
"This was already established, so people knew about it and it's kind of fun to put our own spin on things," she said. "Pretty much every thing is staying the same as last year, but it's just fun to have our hands in it."
An anonymous donor has again pledged $1,500 for the winning entry as determined by judges, and $1,000 for the second-place window. The People's Choice winner will receive $500. Businesses in downtown Great Bend are eligible but do not have to actively participate.
"We've had several organizations reach out that want to decorate, which is great," June said. "I got a form in today; they have a window but don't want to decorate. They would gladly offer it to one of these organizations. It's a cool partnership that we can bring people together."
Deadline to decorate windows is Nov. 20 so they are completed before the Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade on Nov. 30. New this year, sightseers can learn more about the festive windows via the Great Bend Tours app.
"The GPS will pick up where you're at, tell you who decorated the window, and what business you're at," said June. "It's a cool integration we can add this year."
The Great Bend Tours app is available through the Apple or Google stores, or by CLICKING HERE.