Free hot dogs, face painting, balloon animals and other treats for kids will be available when the Great Bend American Legion hosts Family Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Argonne Post 180, located at 1011 Kansas Ave., Great Bend. This will also be a chance for parents to pick up an Ident-A-Kid packet, said Marianne Krallman, treasurer of the Great Bend American Legion Auxiliary.

Along with American Legion Posts across the nation, Great Bend Argonne Post 180 will host American Legion Family Day. The public is invited to bring the family and learn about the “American Legion Family,” Krallman said. 

American Legion Family Day – held on the last Saturday of April – was created through American Legion Resolution No. 7, accepted at the 2022 American Legion National Convention. While it provides an opportunity to gather as a Legion Family and share the organization’s mission with the community, the choice of activities are left up to local post homes. Krallman said it has been several years since Ident-A-Kid was offered in Great Bend, which is one reason that project was chosen. The Great Bend Police Department will provide Ident-A-Kid packets for parents. This allows parents to collect information about their children, including fingerprints, which they take home for safekeeping.

In the event a child is lost or abducted, the information would be used to assist in the investigation. For those with young children, this is an opportunity to help protect them in the event of an emergency. This service is offered free to the public.

 Face painting will be provided by Miraya Starnes and balloon wrist animals will be made by Robert Levingston.

The Legion will also provide information on scholarships, Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program, Girls State and Boys State, flag etiquette, and membership in the American Legion Family.