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            • Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade

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              Name: Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade
              Date: November 29, 2025
              Event Description:

              Theme: Holiday Movie Madness!
              Get ready to bring your favorite holiday films to life—whether it’s A Christmas Story, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, or even Die Hard (if that’s your favorite holiday flick)! Parade participants are encouraged to decorate floats inspired by beloved holiday movies. (Note: No Santas on floats, please—Santa will make his grand arrival at the end of the parade!)

              🎙 Emcee: Cole Reif, Kansas Sports Chatter
              ⭐ Grand Marshal: To be announced

              🎅 Festival Highlights – All Day Fun

              Enjoy festive activities throughout the day leading up to the lighted parade:

              • 🍪 Rosewood Services Cookie Contest

              • 🎨 Dilly & Doc Pop-Up Market

              • 🪟 Window Decorating Contest (hosted by Great Bend Economic Development)

              • 🚂 Golden Belt Model Railroad Display

              • 🛍 Christmas Craft Mall

              • 🐾 Pawsitive Luminaries (hosted by Paws & Claws / Adopt a Pet)

              🌟 Lighted Parade – 5:30 PM

              The holiday magic begins as the parade lights up Main Street!

              🎁 After-Parade Festivities

              Stick around downtown for:

              • 🎄 Lighting of the Mayor’s Tree

              • 🌭 Hot dogs & ☕ Hot chocolate

              • ⛸ Ice Skating

              • 🐴 Horse-drawn wagon, carriage & trolley rides

              • 🚂 Train rides

              • 🐑 Christmas Petting Zoo

              • 🎅 Visit with Santa at Santas Around the World (1223 Main Street)

              • 🍪 Cookie Contest Winners Announced

              • 🌌 Opening of the Trail of Lights for the season

              💫 Join the Celebration!

              Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with family and friends, shop local, and enjoy one of Great Bend’s most beloved traditions.

              📝 Want to participate in the parade?
              Submit your entry online or pick up a form at City Hall.

              📧 Planning a holiday-related event on Nov. 29?
              Contact acrites@greatbendks.net to be included in promotional materials.

              📲 For updates, follow The City of Great Bend and Explore Great Bend on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the city’s events page.

              Location:

              📍 Downtown Great Bend — primarily along Main Street.

              Specific attractions take place at various spots downtown, including:

              • Parade Route: Main Street (lighted parade begins at 5:30 PM)

              • Santa’s Around the World Building: 1223 Main Street (Santa visits here after the parade)

              • Other activities like the Cookie Contest, Pop-Up Market, and Craft Mall are held at downtown venues throughout the day.

              Date/Time Information:
              All Day Event
              Contact Information:
              For more information or to participate in the parade: Contact Aubree Crites at acrites@greatbendks.net or call (620) 793-4111. Visit www.greatbendks.net or follow The City of Great Bend and Explore Great Bend on social media for full event details.
              Fees/Admission:
              FREE
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