The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith was established in 1974, when John Bell first wore the red coat during the third Riverfest, then known as Wichitennial River Festival. The Admiral serves as the official ambassador for Riverfest.

Past Admirals

Admiral 46: Ken Atnip, 2019

Admiral 45: Tim Norton

Admiral 44: Wendy Johnson, 2017

Admiral 43: Steve Dillard, 2016

Admiral 42: Mike Greene, 2015

Admiral 41: Ron Ryan, 2014

Admiral 40: Todd Johnson, 2013

Admiral 39: Joe Johnson, 2012

Admiral 38: Chris Goebel, 2011

Admiral 37: Devin Hansen, 2010

Admiral 36: Dave Carter, 2009

Admiral 35: Gary Gibbs, 2008

Admiral 34: Jim Hattan, 2007

Admiral 33: Bob Harbison, 2006

Admiral 32: Bob Dool, 2005

Admiral 31: Ron Hayworth, 2004

Admiral 30: Bob Thompson, 2003

Admiral 29: Mike Graf, 2002

Admiral 28: Mike Stout, 2001

Admiral 27: Robin Spurrier, 2000

Admiral 26: Linda Davidson, 1999

Admiral 25: Rigby Carey, 1998

Admiral 24: Greg Harman, 1997

Admiral 23: Dave Hill, 1996

Admiral 22: Bob Goebel, 1995

Admiral 21: Jim Hand, 1994

Admiral 20: Paul Parker, 1993

Admiral 19: Kevin Jones, 1992

Admiral 18 : Larry Jones, 1991

Admiral 17: Ed Sykes, 1990

Admiral 16: Al Higdon, 1989

Admiral 15: Don Elliott, 1988

Admiral 14: Frank Hoover, 1987

Admiral 13: Dean Norris, 1986

Admiral 12: Ralph Hight, 1985

Admiral 11: Sam Mobley, 1984

Admiral 10: Mitch Mitchell, 1983

Admiral 9: Jack Lashley, Sr., 1982

Admiral 8: Bill Cozine, 1981

Admiral 7: Tom Allen, 1980

Admiral 6: Jim Remsberg, 1979

Admiral 5: David Norris, 1978

Admiral 4 : Richard Minkler, 1977

Admiral 3: Fred Menefee, 1976

Admiral 2: Fred Kimball, 1975

Admiral 1: John Bell, 1974