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Join your gal pals at Women’s Expo 2020
Safety will be stressed at this fun event
womens expo file photo
The Great Bend Women’s Expo typically draws a crowd, as shown in this undated file photo. The Expo will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, but with emphasis on safety during the pandemic. Social distancing will be encouraged and face masks are required at the Great Bend Events Center.

Like every other event since mid-March, the Great Bend Tribune’s 2020 Women’s Expo will look a little different this year. But, as in years past, this event will be a time to shop, socialize and have fun.

This year’s expo takes place at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St., from 3:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22. Tickets are free and are included in a special insert in Sunday's Great Bend Tribune, along with a list of vendors and a map. Tickets are also available at the Great Bend Tribune office, 2012 Forest Ave.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some new safety precautions in place, Tribune Publisher Mary Hoisington said.

“First, if you’re sick, stay home!” Hoisington said. “We encourage people who are able to attend to join us and to those not attending, we look forward to seeing you next year.”

Face masks are required to be worn in all city buildings, which includes the Events Center. The layout of the exhibits has been reconfigured to reduce crowding and “we encourage social distancing as much as possible,” Hoisington said. “There will be a hand-sanitizing station at the University of Kansas Health System booth,” she added. 

“Our goal is to keep our attendees, our vendors and our employees safe,” Hoisington said.

With employees working at the Expo, the Tribune office will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday. 

In spite of the changes, a lot will be familiar at this, the 22nd annual expo. The Great Bend Tribune’s Women’s Expo provides an opportunity to see what’s new in the worlds of fashion and beauty; health, nutrition and fitness; and personal and work life. It’s also just a great place to get away from the daily grind and spend some time with friends – or to network and make new friends.

There are exhibits, services and wares from area businesses as well as door prizes and giveaways provided by vendors.

This year the Tribune has teamed up with Wheatland Electric’s Cram the Van to benefit the Barton County Food Bank. Participants are invited to bring a non-perishable food or pantry item to donate.

“The Women’s Expo gives area businesses and organizations personal contact with individuals that may not normally walk through their doors,” Hoisington said. “Expo attendees get the chance to learn about products and services they may not otherwise be exposed to. We want everyone to have fun — in a safe manner.”