Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), announced the Fridays on Forest season opener on April 25 will take place on Forest Avenue, from Williams to Main Street.

Lee Ann June, GBED communications director, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the kickoff event.

“Fridays on Forest continues to create a space for both locals and visitors to unwind, connect, and enjoy the lively downtown atmosphere with live music, great food, and refreshing beverages. We’re thrilled to launch the fifth season of this beloved community tradition in downtown GBK.”

The kickoff event will feature live music from Tim Anthony & the Anamals (sic) and an exciting lineup of food vendors, including Lumpy’s, Los Dos Portillo’s, Brand 17 BBQ, Lana’s Catering & Goodies, and Flatlanders Stone-fired Pizzas behind Dry Lake Brewing. Gambino’s is joining the festivities this year, offering a pizza buffet from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays on Forest nights!

With the addition of The Landing, located at the corner of Williams and Forest, attendees can grab a fresh coffee from the Avast Ye Java Coffee trailer or indulge in a Freaking Delicious Cheesecake. Alcohol will be available from licensed vendors, including Los Dos Portillo’s, Lumpy’s, Charlie’s Place, and Dry Lake Brewing.

Ribbon Cutting & Event Sponsorship

This year’s first sponsor, SOFTwarfare, is thrilled to be a new member of the Great Bend business community and is proud to support what is expected to be the biggest and best Fridays on Forest season yet! SOFTwarfare specializes in cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses from digital threats.

“SOFTwarfare is proud to have a presence in Great Bend and to support the community through events like Fridays on Forest. We’re excited to join Great Bend’s thriving business scene and celebrate with everyone on April 25th!” – Colonel (USA Ret.) Chip Bircher, CTO.

To celebrate the start of the new season, join Great Bend Alive, SOFTwarfare, and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. at the corner of Williams and Forest.

Important Guidelines

• Alcohol can be purchased within the district but may not be brought in from outside or taken outside the designated area.

• Fridays on Forest is a family-friendly event – bring the whole crew!

• Security will be on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

• Restrooms will be available – so no need to worry!

• No smoking or pets are allowed within the district.

Find a list of all the Fridays on Forest dates online at www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents.

Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities

Great Bend Alive is looking forward to another great season of Fridays on Forest with a few new additions and many of the amenities Great Bend has come to enjoy in the entertainment district. A special thank you to our partnership business on Forest, the Great Bend Tribune, for their continued support in making this event a success year after year, including the use of their facilities to help bring Fridays on Forest to life.

Many sponsorships and partnerships are already in place, but if you, your business, or your organization would like to get involved, reach out to GBED staff at 620-796-2407 or marketing@gbedinc.com. Another way to stay informed is to follow Great Bend Economic Development and Great Bend Alive on social media.

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, focuses 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.

For more information about GBED, visit www.gbedinc.com, call 620-796-2407, or email info@gbedinc.com.