By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The June Jaunt outdoor festival in downtown Great Bend was going into year 14 in 2025, but declining participation numbers recently called for a rebranding of the event. The Big Bend Bash was created, a partnership with Great Bend Economic Development and the City of Great Bend.
The festival will provide some of the staples of June Jaunt, including the kids zone at Jack Kilby Square, according to CVB Director Amanda Gaddis.
"We'll have the bounce houses back," said Gaddis. "The big jumbo yard games will also be down there. We have a magician and balloon artist. There will also be a lady to provide spray-on tattoos for the kids."
Economic Development will oversee approximately 80% of the festival that will take place on Saturday, June 7.
Along with a parade, festival goers will find music, food vendors and a car show. Eco Devo Director Sara Arnberger said Bike Brew Q will bring their brew fest downtown for the event.
"Bike Brew Q is moving from the Expo Complex to downtown," said Arnberger. "We're excited to have a mash-up of several events. We think that will make for a really exciting weekend for the citizens of Great Bend and hopefully for those in surrounding areas as well."
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and live entertainment and other festivities will wrap up at 6 p.m.
June Jaunt covered three days the first weekend in June, and Arnberger said Big Bend Bash will begin as one day and hopefully expand in the future.