Local musician and longtime educator Joe Boley will serve as the grand marshal for the Great Bend Home for the Holidays Parade, and the theme for the annual event will be “The Music of Christmas,” Community Coordinator Christina Hayes announced Monday. The parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 25.

Two years ago, the city took grand marshal nominations for the next five years and then had a committee of various individuals voted on the winners. 

Boley has been a Great Bend resident for more than 60 years, and was a band director at Great Bend High School and Roosevelt Junior High School. He serves on the Barton County Historical Society Board and has been president of Golden Belt Community Concert Association. 

In addition, Boley just released a book about the band directors of Great Bend. And, he continues to serve and sing for his church and spends his time on various community groups.

“Joe is the perfect grand marshal for our holiday parade,” Hayes said. “He is the best community servant, public promoter, and lover of all things Great Bend and music. We are honored he accepted the role.”  

As for the theme, “this theme is perfectly tied with our grand marshal pick as well,” she said. “We look forward to all the unique lighted entries into our parade this year.” 

The parade is the city’s Christmas kickoff, Hayes said. “This is the 18th consecutive year of this festival and parade, and it has become a holiday tradition that brings Santa to town.”  

Parade forms have been mailed out and can be found online at www.exploregreatbend.com under the Event Info tab.

For additional information regarding the Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade, call 620-793-4111 or via email chayes@greatbendks.net.