Families with small children, and those expecting, could find information and freebies Thursday at the Barton County Community Baby Shower. This was the fifth year for the event but the first time it was moved indoors to the Great Bend Events Center.

Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Service League hosted this event.

There were 27 booths or stations where parents could get free car seat inspections and learn about everything from health plans to immunizations. The children received balloons and could watch Brain Minders puppet skits presented by Pilot Club members. There were door prizes that included things such as diapers and portable cribs. Youth from Grace Community Church helped carry the cribs to vehicles.

There were also demonstrations and screenings. Central Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition provided a nurturing station – a private space to take care of infant needs such as breastfeeding or changing diapers.

Beverly Frizell with the health department said 172 people attended, including children. The move indoors eliminated challenges presented by the unpredictable Kansas weather. Last year, when the Community Baby Shower was held in Jack Kilby Square, those who braved the heat were treated to free water and snow cones, and then the event ended early when a thunderstorm moved into the area.