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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

Colorful Party Balloons

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.

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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.

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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

  • LIVE MUSIC

  • SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS

  • INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

  • ART WALK

  • REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

  • KIDS ACTIVITIES

  • WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

  • FULL ITINERARY COMING SOON

FOOD & DRINKS

  • FOOD TRUCKS

  • MOCKTAIL MENU*

  • BEVERAGE VENDORS

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* only at evening entertainment

ATMOSPHERE

  • WELCOMING

  • COME AS YOU ARE

  • NO PRIOR CONNECTION TO MENTAL HEALTH NECESSARY TO ENJOY

  • ALL ARE INVITED

RESOURCES

  • LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION

  • SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY RESOURCES

  • VETERAN SERVICES

  • COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Day of Schedule of Activities

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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.

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🎤 Mark Lundholm Stand-Up Comedy Show
Tickets are available for purchase below.

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🚗 Smash the Stigma Car Smash
Grab a sledgehammer and take a swing at stigma!

 

Proceeds support our mission of cultivating help, hope, and healing.

  • $5 — 5 swings

  • $10 — 12 swings

  • $20 — 30 seconds of Smash Mode

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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. ​

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Someone you were hoping to see but don't? Feel free to send them the Vendor Interest Form link above!

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Cat n' Craft

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

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My Love For Color

My Love For Color creates big and small items with epoxy resin.

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Nik's Optiks

We are a mobile optical service providing in-home eyewear care, maintenance, & cleaning. We offer affordable prescription eyewear options for all.

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A & B Creations

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

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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!

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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.

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Gone Slimin'

A slime bar, pick your slime color/s and your additives: glitter, beads, bubble beads, charms, and such. A sensory activity your kids will keep enjoying!

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MoonThread Prints

We make 3d prints anything from articulated dragons, minis, statues, fidgets, custom orders. We also make silicone beaded pens and keychains, vinyl decal cups and car decals.

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Patch'n It Threads

Get ready for some fun hat customization! Pick your hat, pick your patch(es) and let me press what you have created! We'll also have custom inspirational buttons.

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Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company

The name says it all. Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company makes just that - cheesecake so good you have to taste it to believe.

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Brand 17 BBQ

Brand 17 BBQ serves up award winning, slow cooked BBQ every time. You can always expect friendly service and awesome food!

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Let it Snow

Let it Snow is a Veteran-owned business local to Hutchinson, KS. They serve flavor-your-own snow cones, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and chili dogs.

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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.

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Mary's Kitchen

Mary's Kitchen is a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Great Bend, Kansas. Known for its quiet, cozy atmosphere and fresh, made-to-order dishes, it is a local favorite for authentic street-style eats and friendly service.

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Soda Bop

We are a specialty drink trailer serving up delicious and unique beverages including dirty sodas and energy sodas!

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Smoky Hills PBS

Smoky Hills PBS is a trusted public television station serving central and western Kansas with educational programming, lifelong learning opportunities, local storytelling, and community outreach that informs, inspires, and connects audiences of all ages.

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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.

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Oxford House

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

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Cornerstone Armory

Local nonprofit providing realistic help and resources through community outreach to meet real needs while providing hope and encouragement by being the hands and feet of Jesus.

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Heart of Kansas Family Healthcare

We are an FQHC providing medical, behavioral health and dental services to our community.

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Great Bend Alive, Inc.

Great Bend Alive's mission is to impact positive change in the downtown corridor through development, design, promotion and preservation.

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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.

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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.

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Heartland Farms

We are a welcoming ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. We have alpacas, chickens, ducks and organically managed gardens. We have nature trails and meditative spaces for those wanting a break from the hustle of life.

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PILOT Club of Great Bend

For over 38 years our Mission is to improve the quality of life in our community, while promoting brain awareness.

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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.

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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.

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Blindside Grappling

We equip people of all ages with self-defense and sports-training thru judo, jiu-jitsu, MMA, and wrestling. Expert coaches. Kids, women's, and mixed classes for all levels. Build confidence, discipline, and a strong community, brand new or experienced.

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Living By Faith Narcotics Anonymous

We provide 12 step meetings for addicts seeking recovery.

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Massage at Eades

Massage at Eades offers custom massage therapy treatments, event work. home or office visits.

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Avenues for Change

Avenues for Change offers specialized trauma-informed counseling for first responders, military families, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking healing, support, and hope.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Artist Palette Setup

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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Participation is FREE, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

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All talents. All personalities. All amazing.

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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.

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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.

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Strong vendor candidates include:

  • Food Vendors

  • Beverage Vendors

  • Kid-friendly (balloon animals, face painting, etc.

  • Resource/community connection

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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.)

Spread the Word

Would you like to display our HopeFest flyer at your event or place of business? Click below to request flyers be delivered to you. 

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We appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

Hope Advocate

Wendy Lockwood

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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

Confetti

Call 

620-792-2544 ext. 1055

Email 

Follow

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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.

Support the Movement

Help create a powerful day of remembrance, connection, resources, and hope for individuals and families across our region.

Presenting Partner

  • Recognition as Presenting Partner of Hope Fest 2026

  • Premier logo placement across event materials

  • Logo featured on posters, signage, and event webpage

  • Dedicated social media spotlight feature

  • Verbal recognition during program announcements

  • Opportunity to provide welcome remarks during event program

  • Premium resource table placement in high-traffic area

  • Recognition in media materials when timing allows

$5,000 +
(limited to one)

Hope Advocate

  • Logo placement on event signage

  • Recognition on event webpage

  • Social media recognition post

  • Verbal thank-you during event program

  • Opportunity to provide promotional materials

$1,000

Friend of Hope Fest

  • Name listed on event webpage

  • Social media thank-you

$250

Community Impact Partner

  • Prominent logo placement on event materials

  • Logo included on event posters and webpage

  • Dedicated social media spotlight post

  • Verbal recognition during program

  • Opportunity for resource table or promotional materials

  • Recognition in media materials when timing allows

$2,500
(3-5 available)

Prevention Supporter

  • Name or logo listed on event signage

  • Recognition on event webpage

  • Social media thank-you post

$500

Support the Message

Help bring a nationally recognized voice in recovery to our community through sponsorship of our featured performer.

Headlining Sponsor

  • Premier logo placement on event materials

  • Recognition as presenting sponsor for Mark Lundholm

  • Social media feature post

  • Verbal recognition during the program

  • Option for resource table or materials

  • Recognition in press release

  • (14) VIP tickets for the show

$1,000 +

Community Hope Sponsor

  • Logo included on event signage

  • Recognition on event webpage

  • Social media recognition

  • Verbal thank-you during the event

  • (8) VIP Tickets for the show

$500

Champion of Hope

  • Prominent logo placement on signage

  • Recognition on event webpage and promotional materials

  • Social media spotlight post

  • Verbal recognition during the program

  • Option to provide promotional materials at the event

  • (10) VIP tickets for the show

$1,000

Friend of Recovery

  • Name listed on event signage

  • Recognition on event webpage

  • Social media thank-you

  • (6) VIP Tickets for the show

$250

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