By Great Bend Economic Development
GREAT BEND, Kan. — Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) is excited to announce the upcoming Fridays on Forest Kick-Off on April 26, 2024. The event will take place on Forest Avenue, from Williams to Main. Lee Ann June, GBED Communications Director said, “Fridays on Forest creates the perfect ‘third place’ for both locals and visitors alike to unwind, connect, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, alongside live music, fun food, and beverages. We’re delighted to begin another season of community bonding in downtown GBK.” The kickoff will feature music from Tim Anthony & the Anamals, food vendors from Lumpy’s, Los Dos Portillo’s, Brand 17 BBQ, and Flatlanders behind Dry Lake, plus our alcohol vendors, Los Dos Portillo’s, Lumpy’s, Charlie’s Place, and Dry Lake Brewing.
Great Bend Alive is looking forward to another great season of Fridays on Forest with a few new additions and many amenities Great Bend has gotten used to having in the entertainment district. Mark your calendar for the last Friday of each month between April and October for all the Fridays on Forest events. Many sponsorships and partnerships are already in place but if you, your business, or your organization would like to get involved, please reach out to GBED staff at 620-796-2407 or [email protected]. Another way to stay informed is to follow Great Bend Economic Development and Great Bend Alive on social media.
Fuel Barton County, formerly Barton County Young Professionals, has joined forces with Great Bend Alive to fill in as gatekeepers for the evening. Fuel Barton County, dedicated to engaging and retaining young adults in Barton County, recognizes the significance of community involvement. Partnering with Fridays on Forest aligns with their mission, as it fosters a vibrant social scene and enriches the local community. By volunteering time, Fuel members not only contribute to the success of this fun event but also demonstrate their commitment to creating a thriving environment for both current residents and prospective newcomers. Through initiatives like Fridays on Forest, we can build connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the appeal of Barton County for young adults, ensuring a bright future for our community.
About Great Bend Alive:
Great Bend Alive has been designated as a Kansas Main Street Program by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Great Bend Alive, the downtown development arm of Great Bend Economic Development, has a focus on historic preservation, events/promotion, development/economic vitality, and design/streetscape. For more information about Great Bend Alive visit: www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development):
The Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is a public/private partnership focusing on the economic development efforts in Barton County, KS. Our mission is to improve the economic quality of life for working families in our community. We do this by creating jobs, through retention, recruitment and expansion of businesses, strengthening the workforce through recruitment, education and training, improving and increasing the number of living wage jobs, and expanding the tax base through increase capital investment. For more information about GBED visit: www.gbedinc.com, call 620-796-2407. Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development, Inc., can be reached via email at [email protected].
