If you have an event that is open to the public, let us know at least one week in advance. **Paid promotions** are also available. Contact Susan Thacker at the Great Bend Tribune, 2012 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530; call 620-792-1211 or email sthacker@gbtribune.com.
TUESDAY, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
WEDNESDAY, March 18
KWEC Bioluminescent Beetles & Fantastic Fireflies
Spring Break programs offered from 1-4 p.m. daily at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156 between Great Bend and Ellinwood.
THURSDAY, March 19
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee
9 a.m. at Big Bend Custom Engraving, 1724 Main. Program at 9:30 a.m., followed by ribbon cutting.
Dress it Up 15th Anniversary Celebration and Coffee
Coffee hour at 9:30 a.m., anniversary celebration from 5-7 p.m. at Dress It Up retail store, 511 Broadway St. in Larned.
Genealogy Thursday
11 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., Main Floor.
KWEC Cheyenne Bottoms "Buffet"
1-4 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156, between Great Bend and Ellinwood. As many as 41 species of shorebirds migrate to Cheyenne Bottoms each year. With so many migrants, you might be wondering how all of these birds find enough food to eat. Migrate out to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to learn about microhabitats as well as how these shorebirds eat. In addition, we will be making a flapping bird for you to take home.
FRIDAY, March 20
KWEC’s Wild Introduction to Field Journaling
1-4 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156 between Great Bend and Ellinwood.
SATURDAY, March 21
Great Bend Laundry Love
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discount Laundry, 924 Jefferson St. Wash up to five loads of laundry for free. Sponsored by United Way of Central Kansas.
Golden Belt Model Railroad Association
1-6 p.m. at 1405 N. Main St., Great Bend.
Quilts of Valor Presentation
7 p.m. at American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave. Veterans will be honored with handmade Quilts of Valor in a special presentation recognizing their service and sacrifice.
SUNDAY, March 22
Great Bend Optimist Club Sloppy Joe Dinner and Dessert
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the meeting room at Walnut Bowl, 3101 N. Washington St. Tickets are $8, available at the door. Bid on silent auction items. Proceeds benefit the club’s youth projects.
“Fresh Produce: Kansas’s Orchardists, Market Growers, and Truck Farmers”
1:30 p.m. at the Stafford County Museum, 100 North Main in Stafford. Free presentation and discussion by Cindy Higgins.
MONDAY, March 23
Donate Blood to the American Red Cross
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave. To schedule or for questions, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
Heritage Seniors Club potluck dinner
Noon at Heritage Senior Center, 103 N. Main, Ellinwood. It is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
All You Can Eat Tacos fundraiser for Bat Cats
5:30-7 p.m. at American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave., Great Bend. Freewill donation; carry-out available. There will also be Bat Cats apparel available at discounted prices. Proceeds go toward Bat Cats operating and travel expenses for the 2026 season (their 10th!).
Hymn Sing
7 p.m. in the St. Paul Lutheran Church on the grounds of the Barton County Historical Village, 85 South U.S. 281
TUESDAY, March 24
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. in Suite 106 at the courthouse.
WEDNESDAY, March 25
Art Vortex Day
8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building at Barton Community College. High school students come to Barton to gain hands-on experience from art professionals and instructors through workshops and activities, and to participate in a juried art exhibition at the Shafer Gallery. For more information contact Brandon Steinert, steinertb@bartonccc.edu.
Larned Laundry Love
3 to 5 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry Co., 1309 Broadway. Wash up to five loads of laundry for free.
THURSDAY, March 26
Great Bend Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by Angel Care Home Health
9 a.m. at the Chamber Board Room, 1125 Williams St. Program at 9:30.
Genealogy Thursday
11 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., Main Floor.
Hoisington Heritage Club Potluck Supper
5 p.m. at the Friendship House, 419 E. Third St. Social hour followed by supper at 5:30.
Sunflower Diversified Services 23rd annual Pancake Feed
4-7 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Parish Center, 4100 Broadway Ave. in Great Bend. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for dine-in or carry-out. Entertainment provided by DJ Donald Hawes. They can be purchased at Westside Market/The UPS Store, 5523 10th, or by contacting Cody Harris, 620-786-0198.
Writing Workshop
6-7:30 p.m. in the Cavanaugh Room at the Barton Community College Library. Contact Justin Brown, 620-792-9202.
FRIDAY, March 27
Military and First Responders Night Out
6-8 p.m. at 916 Williams St. This is a free evening of child care for children 6-12 years old, for all military and first responders. Snacks and games/activities provided. Preregistration is required; just shoot an email to Dropping22ks@gmail.com or call 620-786-0687.
Red Shoes Bunco & Bags Ladies’ Night and Bunco Too Fundraiser
6:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. Supporting the Family Crisis Center
Golden Belt Community Concert Assn. presents Echoes from the Past: The She Gees
7 p.m. at Great Bend Municipal Auditorium. For GBCC members.
SATURDAY, March 28
KSHSAA Regional Music Festival
Barton Community College will host the Kansas State High School Activity Association 3-5A Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Festival.
Pro-democracy No Kings Rally
11 a.m. to noon at the Jack Kilby Square bandshell. Sponsored by The Women for Kansas Barton County Chapter and Barton County League of Women Voters. Speakers, live music and a protest march. The public is invited to bring signs, flags, drums, lawn chairs and water to the rally. For more information contact w4kgreatbend@gmail.com.
Rosewood Miracle Workers Aktion Club’s 10th Annual Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop
11 am. to 1 p.m. at the Rosewood Activity Center, 1607 Main, Great Bend, adjacent to Rosewood Gallery. Children can create their own Easter baskets, decorate Easter eggs, and participate in other fun activities. Requested donation of $5 per basket covers costs. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance, and children can take photos with him. Families have the option of taking free cellphone photos, or pay $3 to receive a printed photo with EB.
Men’s Night Out Cornhole Fundraiser
6 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. Supporting the Family Crisis Center.
Flashlight Egg Hunt
9 p.m. at the Great Bend Sports Complex, 41 McKinley St.
SUNDAY, March 29
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
TUESDAY, March 31
Barton County Commission meeting
9 a.m. in Suite 106 at the courthouse.
