By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Christmas season was officially ushered in this past Saturday with Great Bend’s Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival. Along with several entries for the parade, patrons experienced the lighting of the mayor’s tree, wagon and carriage rides, free food and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said the newly-added petting zoo was a hit at Jack Kilby Square.
"The Busy Buzzards petting zoo was super popular," said Hayes. "We even had a horse that was not expected but it turned out really well. Thank you to everyone that helped including the parade's grand marshal Sarah Krom."
Hayes reported that 900 free hotdogs were handed out during the event, along with 65 gallons of hot chocolate. Saturday marked the 19th consecutive year that the festival was planned.
"It was a wonderful event to kick off our Christmas season," added Hayes. "
As Santa arrived during the festival, visits with Santa are available leading up to Christmas at the shop at 1223 Main Street.