By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
For many, Great Bend’s Party in the Park truly begins as the sun begins to set and musical entertainers take the stage. But there are plenty of morning activities for the 14th annual event coming up this Saturday, Aug. 8. Addison Crites, the city’s public relations director, said the fun begins at 9 a.m. with the popular mud volleyball tournament on the north side of Veterans Lake. The Vendor Fair just to the east of mud volleyball also begins at 9 a.m.
“There’s going to be a permanent jewelry area, there will be the typical cutting boards, clothing, license plates, keychains, stuff like that, custom tumblers,” Crites said.
Vendors will also be selling sewn book and Kindle sleeves, temporary tattoos, kid-craft items, sensory boxes, and much more. One vendor specializes in all things lavender: bundles, lip balm, smudge sticks, sugar scrubs, and more.
There will also be plenty of food and drink items. Vendors include Avast Ye Java’s specialty coffees, Lana’s Catering & Goodies, Moore Flour Please, Queen Bee’s Nutrition, Sweet Elegance Creations, The Fiesta Cart with Dani, Sip’ N Spot, Midwest Sippin, and Suzann’s Fruit, Tamales, and Candies. Those looking for more savory treats can enjoy Brand 17 BBQ and Smokin Jaes BBQ.
The Kiwanis Club Wet and Dry Parade begins at 10 a.m. on 17th Street Terrace. This year, the water fight will take place on the north side of the street, so attendees who wish to remain dry should line up on the south side of the street.
East of the Vendor Fair, the Optimist Kids Fun Zone also begins at 10 a.m. That area will feature wet inflatables, face painting by Cloud 9 Creative Experiences, a caricature artist, and the Explore Great Bend Paint Project. Wristbands for unlimited use of the wet inflatables may be purchased for $5.
Entrance into Veterans Park will resemble that of past Parties in the Park. Enter 17th Street Terrace from McKinley Street for one-way traffic through the park.
