From the city of Great Bend
The biggest event of the summer is set to return to Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the city of Great Bend welcomes the community to the 14th Annual Party in the Park.
It’s a full-day slate, beginning at 9 a.m. with the fan-favorite mud volleyball tournament hosted by the Great Bend Recreation Commission located north of Veterans Lake. The top two teams will receive cash awards and late registration is available until Sunday, Aug. 2.
Also opening at 9 a.m. is the vendor fair, located just east of the mud volleyball pits with various food and drink vendors serving up an assortment of beverages, tasty treats and cuisines throughout the day. Visitors can also browse craft vendors offering everything from handmade décor, flavored olive oils, lavender products and an interactive adopt-a-pet 3D experience.
Blindside Grappling will host a Takedown Challenge, while representatives from the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and Oxford House will be on hand to discuss the programs and resources they provide.
The Kiwanis Club Wet/Dry Parade, Kids Fun Zone and Paws & Claws Shine & Show are all set to start at 10 a.m. Those planning to come to the parade and join the ultimate water fight should line up on the north side of 17th Street Terrace, while spectators who prefer to stay dry are encouraged to watch from the south side.
Located east of the Great Bend Splash Pad, the Kid’s Fun Zone will feature Tara’s Twist and Face Painting, Caricatures by Marietta and Explore Great Bend’s painting project. All these activities are free for the public to enjoy. Also, a part of the kid’s zone, the Optimist Club will be selling $5 wristbands that grants unlimited access to the wet inflatables.
Paws & Claws Shine & Show will be located near the McKinley entrance to Veterans Memorial Park and will serve hot dogs and water. Dogs will be available on-site for walks, and attendees will have opportunities to win prizes and enter cash drawings.
The Great Bend Police Department's annual Dunk Tank returns following the conclusion of the Wet/Dry Parade. Those wishing to dunk a police officer will have the opportunity to purchase one throw for $1 or six throws for $5.
Party in the Park will conclude with a concert powered by KHOK 100.7 Eagle Country at Al Burns Memorial Field. Gates open at 6 p.m., with local favorite Home Brew taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. followed by country musician and songwriter Dylan Schneider headlining.
A rising talent in Nashville, Schneider has shared the stage with artists such as Florida Georgia Line and Ella Langley. He has earned two RIAA-certified gold records and co-wrote the Top-5 hit “Momma’s House” by Dustin Lynch.
Early-bird concert tickets are on sale and can be bought online through Eventbrite. Limited paper tickets are available to purchase at City Hall (1209 Williams) or the Great Bend Events Center (3110 10th Street). Discount pricing ends Aug. 2 with raised general admission prices taking affect Aug. 3.
Those attending the concert are welcome to bring their own coolers as in previous years. No glass containers will be permitted. Charlie's Mobile Bar Cart and Smokin' Jae's BBQ food truck will also be on site serving attendees throughout the concert.
To accommodate traffic, both 17th Street Terrace and the McKinley entrance to Veterans Memorial Park will operate as one-way streets heading west for the entirety of the day. Parking will be limited throughout the event. City staff members will be available to provide shuttle rides for attendees.
For more information, visit the City of Great Bend’s website events page or the Party in the Park Facebook event.