By the City of Great Bend
GREAT BEND, Kan. — The City of Great Bend would like to make an exciting announcement regarding the Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade that will take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023. This is the 18th consecutive year of this festival and parade, and it has become a holiday tradition that brings Santa to town.
The first exciting announcement regarding the Home for the Holidays Parade is the Grand Marshal. Two years ago, the city took nominations for the next five years and then had a committee of various individuals vote on the winners. The 2023 Grand Marshall is… Mr. Joe Boley! Joe has been a Great Bend resident for more than 60 years. Joe was a band director at GBHS, Roosevelt Jr. High and the Great Bend City Band. Joe serves on the Barton County Historical Society Board and has been president of Golden Belt Community Concert Association. Joe just released a book about the wonderful Band Directors of Great Bend! He continues to serve and sing for his church and spends his time on various community groups.
CVB Director, Christina Hayes stated, “Joe is the perfect Grand Marshal for our holiday parade! He is the best community servant, public promoter, and lover of all things Great Bend & Music! We are honored he accepted the role!”
The next announcement is the theme for the 2023 Home for the Holidays Parade! Hayes stated, “This theme is perfectly tied with our Grand Marshall pick as well… The Music of Christmas! We look forward to all the unique lighted entries into our parade this year!” Parade forms have been mailed out and can be found online at www.exploregreatbend.com under the Event Info tab.
For additional information regarding the Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade call 620-793-4111 or via email [email protected]
