July brings more special events

Jun. 24—The Barton County Fair is on everyone's mind this week and June 28 is also next Final Fridays on Forest event, but Great Bend Community Coordinator/Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes is looking ahead to July, which will bring the Summer Sidewalk Sale and a Final Fridays on Forest with an Air Fest Theme.

The summer sidewalk sale starts at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at participating businesses. Hayes said Mark Mingenback came to the retailer group earlier this month with tips on inventory and markdowns. "It's perfect timing for the summer sidewalk sale," Hayes said. Local retailers who missed the training and want to see it online can send an email to Hayes ([email protected]) and she will send a link.

Air Fest

Air Fest is coming September 20-22. Hayes said ticket sales will start in July, along with the sale of tickets for some exciting raffles to help offset some of the cost.

"We're going to be raffling several different things but all in one package," she said. "You buy a ticket for $10 and you can win one of these four options:

—Two are driving experiences. The winner can drive in a Lamborghini or a Ferrari down the runway.

—One winner gets a ride in the B-29 Bomber, "Doc."

—The fourth prize is a ride in an F-1 rocket.

Ticket prices for the actual Air Fest will be announced soon at greatbendairfest.com.

"We are kicking off sales for the show and that raffle at the July 26 Fridays on Forest," Hayes said, mentioning the Great Bend Economic Development's monthly entertainment zone on Forest Ave. For a fun kick-off, the Great Bend Tribune will have a paper airplane contest.