Early-bird buttons offered exclusively at Meineke Car Care Centers through May 4
April 5, 2019 – WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, along with partner Meineke Car Care Centers, today kicked off sales of discounted Riverfest buttons, started VIP ticket sales for headliner concerts and announced new sponsors for the Riverfest Photo Contest.
Admiral Windwagon Smith XLVI Ken Atnip joined Mayor Jeff Longwell in purchasing buttons at today’s celebration, held at the downtown Meineke Car Care Center. Riverfest, the state’s largest community event, will take place May 31-June 8. It will feature 126 total events, including diverse stage shows, fireworks, fun on the Arkansas River, athletic and other contests, and engaging activities for all ages.
“The local ownership of Meineke Car Care Centers is committed to supporting our community, as we have been born and raised here,” said Ryan Blasdel, partner in Meineke. “Our collaboration with Riverfest is one of our favorites, because they and their volunteers all truly embody the spirit of Wichita and everything that makes this city great.”
Besides perennial favorites, the 2019 Riverfest will include 23 new events. Attendees can compete in the Air Capital Cornhole Tournaments; Young Lion Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course; Heavy Metal Karaoke; Decorated Bike Contest and Parade and Cabela’s Kids Fishing Derby. They can take part in creative fun with Make-Do-See; MapMusik; and Improv Everywhere. Other new events include Spin*Fest; Ottaway Carnival; Project Popcon; and Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair. Returning to the festival are Tennis; Pickleball by Chicken N Pickle; Drone Racing; and the blues, which will be featured at River Blues Renewed on Sunday, June 2.
“Our region’s signature event is just around the corner,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Today starts the rush of buying buttons — with early-bird pricing, to boot – and sales for VIP viewing of our national headliners. So whether you’re anxious to snag a bargain on nine days of great events or excited to get special hospitality during some of Riverfest’s diverse concerts, this is the time to swing into action.”
Tickets for Riverfest 2019 VIP events went on sale at 4 p.m. today, including nine concert events and a wine-tasting. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button, but $30 VIP upgrades are available for the following shows: Los Lobos, Granger Smith, Talib Kweli, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gogol Bordello, Sublime with Rome, Toadies, and Jerrod Neimann. D’Vine Prophecy: A Wine & Food Experience, a sampling of six varieties from Prophecy Wines with food pairings by Culinary Catering, is planned for Tuesday, June 4. Purchase tickets at Wichita Festivals, 444 E. William, or online at wichitafestivals.ticketspice.com/2019-button-sales.
360Wichita was announced today as sponsor of the 11th annual Riverfest Photo Contest. This year’s contest will include a video category for the first time. “We are excited to be involved in this event, which allows attendees to tell the story of Riverfest from their unique viewpoint,” said Ian Clark, Content & Community Manager of 360Wichita.com. “We also look forward to expanding on this great tradition as we add the video contest. Wichita is home to such a rich and talented filmmaking community, we’re eager to see what people submit.”
The contest offers $2,500 in cash prizes in eight categories, including a Best of Show prize. A briefing for photographers interested in participating will take place at 5:30 p.m., May 22 at RSM Marketing, 400 S. Commerce St.
During the early-bird sales period, April 5-May 4, buttons are available for $7 for adults and $3 for children at Meineke Car Care Centers in Wichita (925 E. Central Ave., 2344 S. Seneca St., 1810 W. 21st St., 3430 N. Woodlawn St. and 660 N. Webb Rd.) and Derby (1910 N. Nelson Dr.).
Starting May 5, full-price buttons ($10 for adults and $5 for children) will be available at area QuikTrip stores. Admission for kids five and younger is free. The Wichita Festivals office at 444 E. William also carries buttons during the early-bird and full-price sales periods.
Riverfest 2019 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita.
Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Riverfest (May 31-June 8, 2019), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 6, 2019) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or teri@wichitafestivals.com.
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