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HopeFest brings people together to celebrate recovery, honor remembrance, and strengthen prevention efforts —creating connection, reducing stigma, and inspiring hope.
When
September 19th
Activities happening all day
Exact times TBD
Where
Downtown Great Bend
Courthouse Square & Crest Theatre
Cost
FREE Daytime Events
Although we recommend still clicking the RSVP button so we have a good idea of head count
Who
Open to all
Activities throughout the day will cater to different age groups ensuring something for everyone

Event Overview
This event exists to create a welcoming space where our community can come together to support mental health, wellbeing, recovery, prevention, and connection. We believe conversations about mental health should feel approachable, inclusive, and grounded in hope — because when people feel comfortable, they are more likely to learn, connect, and support one another.
This event is for everyone — individuals, families, professionals, and community members who want to be part of a healthier, more supportive community. Mental health touches every life, and creating opportunities to gather and share resources helps reduce stigma while reminding people they are not alone.
What makes this event special is the balance of purpose and positive experience. Through engaging activities, meaningful moments, and opportunities to connect with local resources, attendees can enjoy a memorable experience while learning how we can all play a role in cultivating help, hope, and healing.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
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LIVE MUSIC
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SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
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INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
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ART WALK
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REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
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KIDS ACTIVITIES
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WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
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FULL ITINERARY COMING SOON
FOOD & DRINKS
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FOOD TRUCKS
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MOCKTAIL MENU*
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BEVERAGE VENDORS
* only at evening entertainment
ATMOSPHERE
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WELCOMING
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COME AS YOU ARE
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NO PRIOR CONNECTION TO MENTAL HEALTH NECESSARY TO ENJOY
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ALL ARE INVITED
RESOURCES
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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
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MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION
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SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY RESOURCES
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VETERAN SERVICES
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Day of Schedule of Activities

HopeFest Live Entertainment/Activities
Scroll through our live entertainment and activities options below. All HopeFest activities and entertainment are free for the community, with just two exceptions: the Smash the Stigma Car Smash and the Mark Lundholm Stand-Up Comedy Show.
🎤 Mark Lundholm Stand-Up Comedy Show
Tickets are available for purchase below.
🚗 Smash the Stigma Car Smash
Grab a sledgehammer and take a swing at stigma!
Proceeds support our mission of cultivating help, hope, and healing.
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$5 — 5 swings
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$10 — 12 swings
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$20 — 30 seconds of Smash Mode
Meet our Vendor Lineup
New vendors are being added all the time! Keep checking back to see if your favorite vendor will be at our event.
Someone you were hoping to see but don't? Feel free to send them the Vendor Interest Form link above!

Cat n' Craft
Cat n' Craft creates handmade 3D projects, blankets, handbags, scarves, baby items, and much more! Commissions also available.

A & B Creations
A & B Creations offers a variety of beaded items: pens, keychains, landyards, badge reels, and more!

YouBetterDusso Jewelry
We create handmade jewelry and unique gifts with one simple goal: to bring a smile to your face. Every piece is crafted with care, creativity, and attention to detail, making it perfect for treating yourself or someone special. Thank you for supporting our dream—we hope our creations add a little extra joy and sparkle to your day!

The Rustic Rose
One-of-a Kind handmade art and jewelry inspired by creativity, nature and rustic charm. From colorful artwork that brings personality to any space to one-of-a kind jewelry designed to complement your individual style.

Fiesta Cart with Dani, LLC
The Fiesta Cart with Dani is a locally family-owned dessert and snack business specializing in fresh mini pancakes, Mexican street corn, and fun, customizable treats. We bring a vibrant, family-friendly experience with unique flavors inspired by both classic and Mexican desserts. Our goal is to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere while serving high-quality, made-to-order items.

Rise Up Central Kansas
Rise Up Central Kansas is a community-based nonprofit that connects individuals and families with resources and support to overcome barriers and build stability. We focus on substance use prevention, recovery support, resource navigation, and strengthening families and communities. We believe meaningful change begins by listening, building trust, and helping people move toward the life they want for themselves.

Oxford House
Oxford House is a sober living home for men and women and can be found throughout the United States.

Beautiful Minds Art Studio by Sunflower Diversified
At Sunflower Diversified Services Inc. it is our vision to facilitate a journey to help those with disabilities achieve independence through a variety of vocational opportunities. Beautiful Minds Art Studio plays a significant role in working to accomplish SDS' goal of providing opportunities to the people we serve to be able to achieve his/her fullest potential while participating in and contributing to all aspects of life. When the artist's begin a project, they start with something they look at as just a canvas, brush, or mound of clay. They work with their project and put their feelings and personality into it. By the time they are finished, they've expressed themselves in a way words never could.

Wingman Recovery
Wingman Recovery Coaching provides personalized, forward-focused recovery and life coaching for individuals and families seeking freedom from addiction and substance abuse, betrayal trauma, and unhealthy relationship patterns. Through individualized coaching plans, practical daily action steps, accountability, and goal setting, we help clients identify where they are today, where they want to go, and the steps needed to move toward lasting recovery, healthier relationships, and restored hope. Wingman also values collaboration with counselors, therapists, medical providers, churches, and other local professionals as part of a comprehensive support network for individuals and families.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that helps people prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Through the support of volunteers and donors, the Red Cross provides disaster relief, lifesaving blood products, health and safety training, support for military members and their families, and other services that help strengthen communities in times of need.

Massage by Alicia
As a massage therapist, I help support both mental and physical well-being through the benefits of therapeutic massage. Taking time for self-care can help reduce stress, provide a mental reset, and make the demands of everyday life feel more manageable. Massage can also support physical wellness by relieving tension, improving mobility, and helping those who work hard every day take better care of their bodies.

Living By Faith Narcotics Anonymous
We provide 12 step meetings for addicts seeking recovery.

Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling / Gaming Task Force
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling/Gaming Task Force will provide educational materials, prevention resources, and community education related to problem gambling and problematic gaming. Resources will include the information on warning signs, responsible gambling/gaming, youth and family prevention sports betting and online gambling and available support and referral services.

Chasing Better Run Club
Chasing Better is a women-only run/walk community dedicated to healing, movement, and connection. We provide a supportive, judgment-free space where women of all fitness levels can prioritize their mental and physical well-being while building meaningful relationships. Through community walks, runs, and events, we encourage women to take steps toward a healthier, more connected life.

Family Crisis Center
The Family Crisis Center, Inc. provides advocacy and support to all survivors and secondary victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and neglect while encouraging social change through awareness, education and prevention. From our 24-hour crisis hotline to supportive services to professional training, we offer hope and healing for families experiencing domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and neglect.

Because Every Story Deserves to Be Seen
Call for Artists: HopeFest Art Gallery
We’re inviting artists of all backgrounds to submit work exploring mental health, recovery, and hope. This special HopeFest gallery will showcase powerful stories through art—giving our community one more meaningful reason to come together.

HopeFest Kids Talent Showcase
Be You. Share Your Spark!
There’s no one right way to shine!
1:30 - 2:30 PM | Jack Kilby Bandshell
The HopeFest Kids Talent Showcase is giving local kids and teens a chance to take the stage, be themselves, and share something they love with a community ready to cheer them on.
Sing a song. Show us your dance moves. Play an instrument. Tell some jokes. Perform magic. Tumble. Read a poem. Show off a unique skill.

Whatever makes you, YOU — we want to see it!
The showcase is open to ages 5–17, and both solo and group acts are welcome. Performances should be family-friendly and approximately 2–3 minutes or less.
Best of all?
There are no judges and no pressure.
This isn't about being the best. It's about having the courage to step up, have fun, and share your spark.
Participation is FREE, but space is limited and advance registration is required.
All talents. All personalities. All amazing.

Calling All Vendors!
Interested in being a vendor at Hope Fest 2026? Complete the form below and our team will follow up within 48 hours to discuss options and availability.
We aim to create a diverse vendor lineup that offers great variety for attendees while supporting a successful sales day for each vendor. Hope Fest is expected to draw a strong community turnout, and we value creating a positive experience for both vendors and guests.
Strong vendor candidates include:
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Food Vendors
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Beverage Vendors
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Kid-friendly (balloon animals, face painting, etc.
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Resource/community connection
We look forward to connecting with you!
*Note: All interested vendors must be recovery/mental health friendly. (i.e. no alcohol/drug-related promotion, nothing violent in nature, etc.)
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Hope Advocate



Wendy Lockwood



Community Hope | Prevention Supporters







Friend of HopeFest | Friend of Recovery
Mark's Custom Signs
Edward Jones Kris
Sundahl Agency
Darin's Auto Repair
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
Happy Girl Flower
Shop
Kansas House Representative Brett Fairchild
Abbey Carpet & Floor
Great Bend Psychiatric Services
Eller Auto Repair
Stueder Contractors
Countryside Veterinary Associates
Nex-Tech
Eakin Enterprises, Inc.
Identifications/Kleen Smart
Washington Roofing & Insulation
Wheatland Electric


Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors help make these events accessible, engaging, and impactful for individuals and families across our region.
Hope Fest offers two meaningful ways to support recovery, healing, and suicide prevention in our community. Sponsors may choose to support one of both opportunities.
Presenting Partner
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Recognition as Presenting Partner of Hope Fest 2026
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Premier logo placement across event materials
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Logo featured on posters, signage, and event webpage
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Dedicated social media spotlight feature
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Verbal recognition during program announcements
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Opportunity to provide welcome remarks during event program
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Premium resource table placement in high-traffic area
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Recognition in media materials when timing allows
$5,000 +
(limited to one)
Hope Advocate
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Logo placement on event signage
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Recognition on event webpage
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Social media recognition post
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Verbal thank-you during event program
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Opportunity to provide promotional materials
$1,000
Friend of Hope Fest
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Name listed on event webpage
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Social media thank-you
$250
Community Impact Partner
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Prominent logo placement on event materials
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Logo included on event posters and webpage
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Dedicated social media spotlight post
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Verbal recognition during program
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Opportunity for resource table or promotional materials
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Recognition in media materials when timing allows
$2,500
(3-5 available)
Prevention Supporter
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Name or logo listed on event signage
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Recognition on event webpage
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Social media thank-you post
$500
Headlining Sponsor
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Premier logo placement on event materials
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Recognition as presenting sponsor for Mark Lundholm
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Social media feature post
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Verbal recognition during the program
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Option for resource table or materials
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Recognition in press release
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(14) VIP tickets for the show
$1,000 +
Community Hope Sponsor
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Logo included on event signage
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Recognition on event webpage
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Social media recognition
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Verbal thank-you during the event
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(8) VIP Tickets for the show
$500
Champion of Hope
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Prominent logo placement on signage
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Recognition on event webpage and promotional materials
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Social media spotlight post
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Verbal recognition during the program
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Option to provide promotional materials at the event
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(10) VIP tickets for the show
$1,000
Friend of Recovery
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Name listed on event signage
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Recognition on event webpage
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Social media thank-you
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(6) VIP Tickets for the show
































