By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Thursday’s Ignite Rural Business Competition, sponsored by Great Bend Economic Development, was supposed to split $95,000 in prize money among five businesses. One business making a late exit only heightened the drama. Thursday’s finale at the Crest Theatre in downtown Great Bend lasted approximately two hours, giving each of the four finalists an opportunity to present their business and answer questions from the 3-judge panel.
In previous competitions, the People Choice winner, voted on by members of the audience and viewers of the livestream presented by Eagle Media and Great Bend Post, were not among the top three finishers. The Book Cellar in Claflin took home that $5,000 prize. The drama continued to mount before The Book Cellar was also named the $50,000 grand-prize winner.
“We’re just so excited,” said co-owner Kelsey Hall after the announcement. “We just started. We’re brand new to this. People believing in us is so cool, so thank you all. This is awesome. Thank you. We’re so excited for what we can bring to the area.”
READ MORE: The Book Cellar opens as new book and liquor retail store in downtown Claflin
Each business had 10 minutes to present their business model and how prize money from the competition would benefit it, then another 10 minutes to answer questions from the three judges.
In late 2025, Hall and Rebecca Kratzer opened The Book Cellar in Claflin. The store combined the need for a bookstore in Barton County with the known success of a liquor store.
Sammy McBride’s Sugar Co., a women’s clothing boutique in downtown Great Bend, won the $30,000 second-place prize. The Zarah Coffee Shop in downtown Great Bend took home the $10,000 prize for third place. Billy and Kass Eldridge’s Play Place, an indoor meeting and recreational facility, was also a finalist.
Continue watching Great Bend Post for a full release from Thursday's finale.