The 11th annual Great Bend Art and Wine Walk is more than a month away but steps are being taken now for this popular downtown shopping promotion/cultural event.

It takes place May 2 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at participating downtown businesses.

Each business will have its own free samples of wine (for participants at least 21 years old) or other goodies. Last year, more than two dozen artists participated at 22 locations. There were writers, sculptors, painters, photographers and more. Some were professionals and others were enthusiastic amateurs. There have even been paintings done by animals at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. There were also demonstrations at some locations.

Amanda Gaddis from the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau brought a request to the City Council last week. 

She noted that the Art & Wine Walk was developed to promote downtown shopping as well as art and culture in Great Bend.

“It has proven to be an extremely successful event,” her presentation noted.

The City Council passed an ordinance to let downtown businesses that aren’t licensed to sell alcohol serve free alcoholic drinks during this event.

State statutes allow for unlicensed businesses to serve complimentary alcohol on their premises, with local government approval, for events that promote the arts. Gaddis noted that approval has been granted in previous years and the events have occurred without incident.

Council members were advised that staff works closely with Alcohol Beverage Control to ensure proper procedures are in place for this event. Gaddis will send the ordinance along with proper paperwork to the state for appropriate state permission.

April event

Another downtown shopping event taking place in the coming weeks is Explore Great Bend’s “Eggstravaganza,” April 17-19. Shoppers will be invited to visit participating businesses, find hidden eggs, and register for a chance to win $500 in prizes from local stores.