By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
While the Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade is still more than 70 days away, the grand marshal for the 2024 parade was announced as Sarah Krom. The City of Great Bend received nominations for the past few years with a committee voting on the winners.
Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said Krom is a staple in the community for doing good things. Last year’s festival and parade was canceled due to the weather, so last year’s grand marshal selection, Joe Boley, will be honored.
"Our honorary grand marshal this year is going to be Joe Boley," said Hayes. "As you all know, he passed earlier this month. We will still keep him as honorary grand marshal because last year was canceled. We will do something special to honor him."
Boley passed away Sept. 4 at the age of 92.
Krom spent 36 years working at Sunflower Diversified Services before retiring in 2020. Hayes said Krom helped plan the parade for 12 years.
Last year would have marked the 18th consecutive year for the festival and parade. The parade theme will be announced in October. The 2024 festival will take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30.