By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
At this week’s Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting, Rec Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick was able to give his recap on last month’s Santa’s Workshop. With the holiday-themed booths, games, prizes and treats, the workshop welcomed all children to kick off the Christmas month.
The 28th annual event again was highlighted by the opportunity to talk to Santa Claus.
"One thing we did this year is move the Santa line," said Fitzpatrick. "In the past, it has wandered and got in the way of everyone. This year we took it out into the hallway to free up more room in the main area. It worked out well so we'll continue that."
There were 700 cookies prepared for the event, and Rec staff spent two hours blowing up 700 balloons. There were also 162 letters to Santa submitted by children. High school students, civic organizations and several community volunteers help transform the City Auditorium into a Christmas paradise.
As far as other holiday-related activities, the Rec hosted a Christmas tree contest that received 54 entries and a snow sculpture contest.