Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), is to hold the Fridays on Forest season opener this Friday from 5-10 p.m. The kickoff event will take place on Forest Avenue, from Williams to Main Street. This year’s first sponsor, SOFTwarfare, is proud to support what is expected to be the biggest and best Fridays on Forest season yet. To celebrate the start of the new season, join Great Bend Alive, SOFTwarfare, and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. at the corner of Williams and Forest.

The kickoff event will feature live music from Tim Anthony & the Anamals 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. 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.

Mark your calendar for the last Friday of each month from April through October for all Fridays on Forest events. Find a list of all the Fridays on Forest dates online at www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents.

About Great Bend Alive:

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 visit www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development):

GBED’s goal is to sustain long-term economic health in our community and vitality through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses and development that enhance property values, increase personal income, and positively contribute to our citizens’ quality of life. For more information visit www.gbedinc.com, call 620-796-2407, or email info@gbedinc.com.