By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau felt the 14th Annual Party in the Park was a great success, and is excited in the direction its moving. During Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, CVB Director provided highlights from the event, which was held Aug. 8 at Veterans Memorial Park.
The Great Bend Recreation Commission’s Ooze Fest Mud Volleyball Tournament is always a hit. Gaddis said the Rec was able to add two more teams this year than last, bringing the total to 24 teams, which competed in adult and youth brackets. Los Lobos won the adult bracket, while the Mud Dawgs won the youth competition. The vendor fair was held just to the east of the volleyball pits.
“Our vendor fair was another great turnout,” Gaddis said. “We had 15 vendors, then we had an additional 11 food vendors. Having that kind of variety also adds to the overall experience.”
Sixteen entries ended up participating in the Kiwanis Wet/Dry Parade down 17th Street Terrace Saturday morning. There were 25 cars in the Paws & Claws Shine & Show. Gaddis reported more than 400 people attended Saturday night’s concert featuring Home Brew and Dylan Schneider. That event was emceed by 100.7 Eagle County’s Shannon Towns and Evan Wedel.
“They did a really great job,” said Gaddis. “We heard a lot of positive comments about the concert, both directly and on social media. Dylan Schneider did a great job, and Home Brew was amazing, as always.”
Kansas weather always plays a role at Party in the Park. This year’s high temperatures were just at the century mark. Party numbers took a hit in 2024 due to wet weather. Last year was also hot and dry, with nearly 600 concert goers and 51 vehicles in the car show.