By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Ghouls and goblins get ready - and butterflies and princesses, too. Great Bend Kiwanis will again host its Downtown Halloween Trick or Treat Boo on Oct. 29. Kiwanis member Amanda Urban said this year's event should be even bigger than those of the past.
"Great Bend Kiwanis and vendors downtown, along with the Great Bend community churches have collaborated to put on this year's Halloween Boo," she said. "We've combined the traditional parade going down Main Street to 16th, then back down to 12th Street, back to Jack Kilby Square with Trunk or Treating at the Square."
Community churches will sponsor the Trunk or Treat around Jack Kilby Square. The churches have teamed up to purchase candy for non-affiliated participants of Trunk or Treat, and Kiwanis is helping others set up booths along Main Street for those that would prefer booths over trunks. Each booth will be responsible for its own goodies.
"There were so many kids last year," Urban said. "When I'm asked about how much candy, I say plan for at least 1,000. You just don't know, depending on weather."
Members of the Great Bend Police Department, Great Bend Fire Department, and National Guard brought vehicles to last year's event. The National Guard has again committed to be part of this year's festivities. Parents and trick or treaters get to meet those service workers and enjoy a one-stop trick-or-treat location during daylight hours.
"There's a lot of benefit both ways," said Urban. "The kids are going to be getting their candy and showing off their costumes. Then they're able to get familiar with community service workers, which I think is great, because we want to teach our kids not to be afraid of policemen, not to be afraid of firemen, the National Guard."
Urban also gave thanks to the city of Great Bend for making the event possible, especially Director of Public Lands Scott Keeler. "He is always so willing to do whatever needs to be done," she said. "He's our bathroom, electricity, grounds guy."
The Trick or Treat Boo runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.