By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Many of the favorite “get you into the holiday spirit” events are taking place or getting scheduled again. One of the big events for children is Santa’s Workshop, hosted by the Great Bend Recreation Commission. Rec staff and other volunteers transform the City Auditorium, 1214 Stone Street, into the North Pole and provide plenty of activities, games and giveaways.
GBRC Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick the free event will provide plenty of entertainment.
"We are bringing Happy Faces Entertainment from Kansas City," said Fitzpatrick. They'll have a gentleman walking around performing comedian-like entertainment. Also, Olaf will be walking around."
Santa’s Workshop will take place on Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and marks the 27th year for the event. Fitzpatrick starts organizing the event in June and collects 10,000 pieces of candy, 700 sugar cookies from Dillons, 700 balloons and roughly 900 “fish pond” gifts to hand out.
GBRC Marketing Director Megan Hammeke said this year’s Santa’s Workshop coincides with the Rec’s 75th anniversary so additional goodies will be distributed.
"We have some bags with our logo on them that kids can use when they go to sporting events," said Hammeke. "We have light-up yo-yos and Christmas cups. We have a spinning wheel where they can come up and spin it and we'll give them another prize."
The Barton Community College softball team will assist in setting up the City Auditorium the Sunday before the event. Great Bend High School students assist in preparation the week prior to event.