A free catered BBQ by Bakes, plenty of games for all ages, and a chance to meet the executives of Marvel Gaming are all being offered in an area-wide block party this Saturday.
    The event is being held downtown in Wellington on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of continued celebrations of the grand opening of their downtown Wellington office.
    Adding to the upbeat and festive atmosphere of the event will be live entertainment from the Howlerz — an area band who feature “southern rock with blues roots.”
    Sumner Regional Medical Center President and CEO Bob Bean serves as the back-up drummer and will play the event.
    Bean said they’re in town, gearing up for what they hope will be a good event for the community.  Bean said she has received a lot of calls through her office and the community seems to be ready for the event.
    She’s still got a lot of work to do though — the semi-trailer for the bands has arrived and the tents will be set-up later this afternoon. 
    “It’s going to be a busy day getting ready, and we’re really anticipating a great event,” Bean said.
    In addition to the fun times to be had, Valerie Bean, who serves as their manager of community affairs, said this is also an opportunity for the Sumner County community to meet the executives of Marvel Gaming.
    “Quite honestly, they’re such a down home group, they are very easy to visit with and very approachable,” Bean said of the Marvel Gaming team.                        “And they enjoy talking about their proposed project.  They are just as excited to have it become a reality as we are, and they’re looking forward to becoming a part of this community.”
    The management team of Trailhead Casino Resort have pledged one percent of their annual revenues to Sumner County Economic Development, which amounts to $2 million annually, according to Marvel Gaming President Roger Wagner. 
    Wagner said the economic benefits envisioned by voters when they passed the referendum last year will not be seen if a Mulvane casino is selected.
    “A Mulvane casino will mean that most of their employees will reside in Sedgwick County as will the suppliers of the casino.  Except for Mulvane, which currently enjoys organic economic growth as a bedroom community to Wichita, the rest of the communities in Sumner County are crying out for the stimulus that a Wellington-located casino will bring about,” Wagner said.
    Bean said the event will feature attractions for all ages, including slides and inlatable games, and families are encouraged to attend this community-wide downtown event.
    Although forecasters say the chance of rain is only around 20 percent for Saturday afternoon, a rain-out location has been set for the Memorial Auditorium with West 7th street to be used for the rides and attractions.   
    Marvel Gaming has proposed a $368 million investment for the Trailhead Casino Resort.  Additional amenities at the resort include a high-rise 16-story hotel with 304 rooms, including 172 suites ranging from 550 to 2,500 square feet; four restaurants; a health club; an entertainment and convention center; a 100 space RV park with an amenity center; semi-truck parking; a pavillion with tennis and other recreation, and an activities center.
    Marvel Gaming has also proposed extensive off-site incentives for Sumner County and the City of Wellington.  In addition to the economic development dollars, Marvel Gaming has plans to financially support the municipal golf course in Wellington. 
    Contracts for casino proposals by Penn National Gaming, Marvel Gaming and Harrah’s Entertainment will be forwarded to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission for the decision on which should manage a casino in Sumner County.     
    The seven-member commission has released a timeline for their decision, including a vote in Topeka on Aug. 21 and 22  following public hearings in Sumner County on July 10 and 11.