Jan 30, 2024

Community welcome to participate in Great Bend parade through time

Posted Jan 30, 2024 6:00 PM

From Great Bend Economic Development...

Great Bend Alive is thrilled to extend an invitation to the community to actively participate in the "Great Bend Alive Parade Through Time", a captivating celebration honoring the history of Great Bend, Kansas. This parade, serving as the official kick-off to the City of Great Bend's June Jaunt festival, is not only an opportunity to witness history but also a chance for the community to become an integral part of it.

Showcase Your Story in the Parade: We are calling on businesses, individuals, clubs, and organizations to join us in creating a vibrant and memorable procession. Whether you have a historical connection, a unique performance, or a creative costume, we want you to share your story and be a part of this historic event. This is your chance to showcase what makes Great Bend truly special.

Participate and Celebrate: The "Great Bend Alive Parade Through Time" is not just a spectacle; it's a celebration that thrives on community involvement. We encourage participants to lean into history, performance, costumes, and reenacting to bring the city's rich past to life. By joining the parade, you become an active contributor to the collective narrative of Great Bend. Want to participate but need help brainstorming? Email GBED at [email protected] and we will help you figure out how you/your organization can join the fun.

Event Details:

·       Parade Name: Great Bend Alive Parade Through Time 
·       Date: May 31, 2024
·       Time: 5:30 PM
·       Location: Parade begins at Brit Spaugh Park, travels down Main Street to 12th Street
·       Followed by: Fridays on Forest – A public invitation to continue the celebration

Highlights of the Parade:

·       Vibrant Present: Showcasing Great Bend's dynamic and thriving present.

·       Reverse-Chronological Time Wrap: A visual feast of the community's evolution through floats, performances, and nods to key moments.

·       Community Involvement: Join us in commemorating the city's journey, fostering community unity, and celebrating the resilient spirit of Great Bend.

Join Us for Fridays on Forest: Following the parade, continue the festivities at Great Bend Alive's May Fridays on Forest, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and community camaraderie. May 31st is also Bat Cat Night!

June Jaunt Festivities Kick-Off: Local car clubs will host a car show on Friday following the parade, with a movie playing in Jack Kilby Square at sundown. For a full list of the jam-packed Saturday and Sunday events, follow @ExploreGreatBend on Facebook or visit online at www.exploregreatbend.com/annualevents.

How to Participate: To be a part of this historic celebration, submit your entry for the parade by May 1, 2024, for approval. For entry form and entry guidelines go online to www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet and click the button “Parade Form” or go to this link directly: https://forms.monday.com/forms/4c675abf7c809c54617ffe3385d8522b?r=use1. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to see the fun unfold.

About Great Bend Alive:
Great Bend Alive, the downtown development arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), is a member of the Kansas and National Main Street programs. We share these same four pillars of progress focusing on historic preservation, events/promotion, development/economic vitality, and design/streetscape. 

 For more information about Great Bend Alive visit: www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokor email at [email protected].