By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
This past April marked the start of the fifth year for Fridays on Forest, the downtown entertainment with live music, food, drinks and entertainment in Great Bend.
Occurring the last Friday of every month from April through October, Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said last Friday’s event saw just under 1,500 people attend.
"That number is even with one of the kiddos dropping one of our clickers and us losing that count, so we know that's even higher," said Arnberger. "What a fun night. We heard from so many people that it was great to get out and support our Bat Cats, get downtown and enjoy the awesome weather."
What started out as barricading Forest Avenue downtown, between Main Street and Williams Avenue, has grown to expand the common consumption district into nearby streets and alleyways if needed.
"These events are 100% sponsor paid for," said Arnberger. "Those aren't coming out of our municipal dollars that come from our budget. We really appreciate the businesses for believing in those and being able to help us support them."
The next Fridays on Forest will be June 27.