By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Another Thanksgiving is in the books and now all eyes - especially those young ones - turn to Christmas. The Great Bend Recreation Commission will again help bring in the holiday cheer with its 29th annual Santa's Workshop on Monday, Dec. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the City Auditorium.
“Santa’s Workshop is one of the most joyful events of the entire year for both our staff and the community," said Rec Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick, the main organizer of the event. "Watching the City Auditorium transform into a magical holiday space is just as exciting for us as it is for the kids. Our staff, volunteers, and the high school students truly look forward to this night—it’s a chance to celebrate the season, connect with families, and see the pure excitement on children’s faces as they explore the booths and visit Santa. It really is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season in Great Bend.”
Children can enjoy holiday-themed activity booths and get an early opportunity to meet with Santa himself. The free family event is designed for preschool through sixth-grade children and their families.
"This year, we have a few exciting additions to make Santa’s Workshop even more magical," said GBRC Marketing and Enrichment Director Megan Hammeke. "We’ve added a couple of new festive photo spots for families to capture memories. Plus, Garet is bringing in talented puppet performers from StoneLion Puppet Theatre in Kansas City, who will be strolling through the event and entertaining guests throughout the evening. And that’s not all—special guests from the North Pole will be joining us, including a few of Santa’s reindeer. Families can visit the reindeer in the City Auditorium parking lot for a truly memorable experience. It’s going to be a fun, fresh twist on our beloved annual tradition."
Many children and their families return to Santa's Workshop each year, but Hammeke said those experiencing the auditorium's transformation into a winter wonderland are in for a surprise.
"As soon as they walk into the City Auditorium, they'll find the entire space transformed into a festive holiday land," she said. "Children can move from one activity to the next at their own pace, enjoying multiple craft stations, fish ponds, and fun photo spots perfect for capturing memories. And of course, the highlight of the night is a visit with Santa. Kids can share their wish lists, take photos, and even bring letters to drop off. The event is relaxed and family-friendly. It’s truly a magical way to celebrate the season together."
For this event, please enter through the northeast door of the Burnside Room. Business donations provided by: Great Bend Recreation Commission, C & V Home Improvement, INC., Dillons, Eagle Media, Farmers Bank and Trust, GB Tires, INC., Great Bend Rotary Club, Hammeke Electric, INC., Kiwanis Club of Great Bend, Mark’s Custom Signs, Nex-Tech LLC, Nex-Tech Wireless, LLC, Northview Nursery & Landscape, Office Products, INC., Optimist Club of Great Bend, Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler, INC., Scott's Welding Service, INC., University of Kansas Health Systems-Great Bend, Wal-Mart, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, INC.
For more information about Santa’s Workshop or other Great Bend Rec programs, visit greatbendrec.com or call 793-3755 ext. 110.
