The City of Great Bend

06/05/2026

Great Bend: America 250 Series 🇺🇸

1955 – After converting part of the former Great Bend Army Airfield into a drag strip in 1953, Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) formed on January 19, 1954, and joined the NHRA in April 1955.

Although drag racing had only existed for a few years and was still in its infancy, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the SRCA, wrote a letter to NHRA Founder Wally Parks requesting that Great Bend host the first national event. The request was approved and “the Nationals” were scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 1955.

The inaugural event drew 219 cars and approximately 15,000 spectators to Great Bend, an event that helped legitimize and grow drag racing into a major motorsport.

Over time, the SRCA ran races but slowly disbanded. In 1993, the SRCA reformed to help maintain the site and played a key role in securing recognition as a Kansas Historical Site in 1994.

In 2000, the club received a grant from KDOT to resurface the track. Three years later a new timing system, scoreboards, concession stand, and showers were added.

On May 14, 2026, the City of Great Bend and Great Bend Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the fully reconstructed drag racing surface and new two-story timing tower. The project spanned over nine months and included a complete overhaul of the facility.

The Srca Dragstrip will host both the first and final stops of Rocky Mountain Race Week beginning June 6 at the track. This annual, week-long event challenges its competitors to race and drive across three states in just six days.

The SRCA Dragstrip serves as an important and historic Midwest designation for motorsports and brings thousands of visitors across Kansas and others states to Great Bend.

📷 NHRA

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06/04/2026

Free Fishing Days are 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 this weekend! 🎣

On June 6 and 7 anyone can fish by legal means without a Kansas fishing license. Take advantage and enjoy a day out on the water at either Stone Lake or Veteran's Park!

Length and creel limits will still apply, and all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

More info 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/KDWPfreefishingdays

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

Call for vendors! Come be a part of the historic SRCA Dragstrip this season 🏎️🏁

The City of Great Bend is looking for interested vendors for June-October races. Please contact the City at 620-793-4111 no later than 14 days prior to the race you'd like to sell at.

*Only food and drink vendors allowed and a $30 fee to participate*

06/02/2026

📅✨ Have an Event Coming Up? Get It on the Explore Great Bend Calendar! ✨📅

Planning a fundraiser, festival, concert, community gathering, class, tournament, or special event? Make sure the community knows about it by adding it to the Explore Great Bend Calendar!

Our calendar is the go-to resource for residents and visitors looking for things to do in Great Bend and the surrounding area. It's a great way to increase visibility, attract attendees, and help make your event a success.

https://www.exploregreatbend.com/calendar_of_events/submit_events.php

06/02/2026

𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙚 🦟

In anticipation of mosquito season, the City of Great Bend Public Works Department will begin fogging on Thursday, June 4, weather permitting.

Spraying will occur weekly on Thursdays for the next five weeks between 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

To reduce the risk of inhaling chemicals, residents are advised to avoid going outdoors for at least 30 minutes to an hour after fogging takes place.

Fogging cannot take place during heavy rain as precipitation will wash away the insecticide. If weather diverts the scheduled spraying dates, the city will adjust accordingly.

06/01/2026

City Council Meeting 6-1-2026

06/01/2026

Just a friendly P.S.A. from the Great Bend Police Department-

As warmer weather brings more people outdoors, we're seeing increased activity on our streets, sidewalks, and neighborhoods.

That means more vehicles, more student drivers, and more children riding motorized scooters and electric bicycles. That's a great sign of an active community, but it also serves as an important reminder for all of us to slow down and pay attention. Young drivers are still learning. Young riders don't always recognize potential dangers. Both deserve our patience and caution.

If you're behind the wheel, please take an extra moment to scan intersections, watch for children near roadways, and avoid distractions. If you're a parent, please make sure your children understand the importance of wearing safety equipment and following traffic laws. Every one of us has the ability to make our streets safer through simple choices and good judgment.

Thank you for helping us protect what matters most—our families, our children, and our community.