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RIVERFEST 2020 CANCELED AMID COVID-19 CONCERNS March 31, 2020 – WICHITA, Kan . – Ty Tabing, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., joined by Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse and Vice-Mayor Cindy Claycomb, today announced that due to increasing concerns about Coronavirus (COVID-19), Riverfest 2020 will not take place. The organization instead is planning a four-day, fall-themed community event in downtown, a dynamic final celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of both Wichita and Sedgwick County. “When you’re the biggest event in the state with a large economic impact on the local community, it takes longer to assess and coordinate with local public health officials,” said Ty Tabing, president/CEO of WFI, the 501c3 not-for-profit organization that produces Riverfest. “We’ve been very thoughtful about this decision and are doing the right thing as a matter of public health and safety, and there is no higher priority.” The decision came after communication with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County officials. This is the first time in the history of Kansas’ largest community event that Riverfest has not taken place as scheduled. The festival represents an annual impact of $30 million on the Wichita economy. WFI staff was preparing for the 49th festival (scheduled for May 29-June 6) when it was decided that in the best interest of public safety the festival would be canceled. “This is an unfortunate development that will continue to impact our community in multiple ways,” Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse said. “But, this decision by Riverfest officials is the responsible and the right thing to do. It is important we continue to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the community.” “We are seeing major festivals across the country and around the world making the difficult but compassionate decision to cancel, in order to protect at-risk citizens from COVID-19,” Tabing said. “There is no question that this is the right thing to do, but there are a lot of tough emotions attached … for our dedicated volunteers, our staff and of course, for Riverfest fans, some of whom won’t be spending the first week of summer at Riverfest for the first time in decades.” Coachella, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Kentucky Derby, SXSW and Tribeca Film Festival are just a handful of iconic events throughout the U.S. that have been cancelled or postponed. Due to a number of factors, it will not be possible to reschedule Riverfest 2020. “As a long-established event that takes place over nine days, there are a number of challenges when it comes to rescheduling,” Tabing said. “Downtown Wichita is more vibrant than ever with outdoor events throughout the year. It’s nearly impossible to find a nine-day timespan that can accommodate Riverfest. We also have to take into consideration our many partners— local businesses, vendors and fellow not-for-profits, for instance—who may be involved with other events already scheduled in late summer and early fall. Riverfest is a complicated animal, and under these circumstances, with the recommendations received from Gov. Laura Kelly and our Sedgwick County officials, we will do what’s best for our fellow citizens, and turn our focus to other projects at this time.” In addition to Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair scheduled for Sept. 18-20, WFI staff is currently working on a large-scale, community party—a high-energy salute to the 150th anniversary of the founding of both Wichita and Sedgwick County. The downtown event is scheduled for Nov. 5-8, with St. Francis street at the heart of the festival. Fidelity Bank River Run is one of a select number of Riverfest 2020 events that will take place during the fall event. KAKE TouchATruck and the Wichita Eagle Medallion Hunt will also take place at the festival, along with a number of new events and activities—some autumn-inspired, some highlighting Wichita’s vibrant arts and music scenes, and all to celebrate the spirit and citizens of Wichita and Sedgwick County. “In 1970, Wichita’s 100th birthday party inspired the annual celebration known as Riverfest,” said Vice-Mayor Claycomb. “Who knows what might grow from this celebration of important city and county milestones—and the powerful resilience of our citizens?” For the many Riverfest fans (last year 440,000 attended the festival) who will be longing for their favorite festival events May 29-June 6, WFI staff is planning Virtual Riverfest 2020, featuring some nods to your favorite classic events, live fun and entertainment, and chances to share your Riverfest memories, all via Wichita Riverfest’s social media channels. More details about Virtual Riverfest 2020 will be available at WichitaRiverfest.com May 1. “It’s important that Wichita know that we will be here for them when this is over, to continue the traditions we’ve established, bringing citizens together to celebrate our wonderful city,” Tabing said. Riverfest fans with questions should see the FAQ list at WichitaRiverfest.com.
About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 11, 2020) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2020). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] CLAY BASTIAN IS WINDWAGON SMITH XLVII Ambassador of Riverfest 2020 is a longtime Riverfest sponsor and volunteer March 5, 2020 — WICHITA, Kan.— During a media event and piping-aboard ceremony Wednesday at Shift Auto Society, Clay Bastian was revealed as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLVII, ambassador of Riverfest 2020. A Wichita native, Bastian was born in 1957 at Wesley Hospital, the youngest of three siblings. He graduated from Wichita Collegiate School in 1975 and the University of Kansas in 1979. After graduation, he returned to Wichita to join his family’s business, now called Fidelity Bank, and was the company’s first marketing manager. Bastian retired from Fidelity in 2018, having worked in marketing, real estate, tax management, capital markets financing, and regulatory liaisons for 38 years. Bastian’s involvement with Riverfest covers a lot of ground. As a sponsor, he was instrumental in the organization of the Riverbank Jazz concerts presented by Fidelity Bank from 1991 to 1995. He joined the Wichita Festivals, Inc. Board of Directors in 2008, and served as board chair in 2011. Bastian became a member of the Operations Committee, known as the Red Shirts, in 2012 and continues to serve on many Riverfest committees, including Riverfest Classic Car Show, Signage, Sundown Parade, Marketplace, and STEAM City. “This has been the most meaningful and rewarding community work I have done with a great family of dedicated volunteers,” Bastian said. 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. Bastian is the 47th admiral, and he was introduced at Shift Auto Society, 406 S. Market. “When I was young, my family was close to John Bell and his family,” Bastian said. “He was always someone I looked up to. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be selected to follow in his footsteps, or in the footsteps of any of the other 45 Admirals who succeeded him. Considering all the men and women who have received this honor, I feel profoundly humbled to carry on this tradition.” A member of the Rotary Club of Wichita since 1985, Bastian served as the club’s president in 2015. He serves on the board of directors of the Salvation Army of Wichita and in 2007 was the chair of their advisory board. He was presented with their William Boothe Award for service in 2013. He formerly served on the board of directors of The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, and as its chair in 2003 and 2004. The Admiral and his wife, Kate, celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary this year. They have a son, Peter, and a daughter, Meredith. Bastian is an enthusiast of motorcycles and all powered vehicles, and a fan of jazz and many other genres of music. As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2020, Bastian will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, May 29-June 6. He will be assisted by the 2020 Prairie Schooner Mates, who were also present at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth representatives for Riverfest. Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates: Alexa Aulbach-Campus High School New Riverfest sponsors include: Chicken N Pickle, CONCO Construction, Culinary Catering, Delta Dental, Friends University, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Star Casino, McCown Gordon, R & J Liquor, and Thrive Restaurants. Riverfest 2020 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, PrairieLand Partners, Spot’s Party Bus, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Spectrum Promotional, Sure Sound & Lighting 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 29-June 6, 2020), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 11, 2020) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2020). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### MEGHAN AND JUANTA WOLFE WIN RIVERFEST 2020 ARTWORK CONTEST Presentation at Emprise Bank includes Artist-in-Residence announcement and preview of new events January 31, 2020—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. unveiled the official poster and button designs, and announced new events and changes for Riverfest 2020 at a media event today at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the artwork contest. “We’re excited for the opportunity to host the reveal of the Riverfest poster and button artwork again,” said Matt Michaelis, chairman and CEO of Emprise Bank. “Having the community gather in our building each January for this fun event is a tradition we look forward to, and meeting the winning artist and presenting them with their prize is always an honor.” Wichita-based artists Meghan and Juanta Wolfe collected a check for $4,000 for their designs, featuring a robot DJ partying on the Arkansas River. The couple selected to illustrate “Rock Out on the River,” one of four theme options made available for this year’s contest. “We are ecstatic to represent such an amazing festival for our city, and become a piece of Wichita’s history,” said Juanta. “Riverfest is one of our favorite events in the city and we are filled with so much joy to see our artwork become the face of it this year,” added Meghan. The poster, sponsored by Docuplex, serves as an invitation to the largest community celebration in Kansas: Riverfest, set for May 29-June 6. A Riverfest button allows admission for all nine days of the festival. Adult buttons (for ages 13 and up) are available at the early-bird price of $7 when purchased by online presale now at WichitaRiverfest2020.eventbrite.com or in person April 10-May 2 at Meineke Car Care Centers. Starting May 3, buttons will be available at area QuikTrip locations: $10 for adults and $5 for children. Kids five years old and younger get in free. In the art-filled atrium of Emprise Bank, festival organizers also announced this year’s Artist-in-Residence, art collective Factory Obscura headquartered in Oklahoma City, which will work with local artists to create an immersive art environment at the festival. The 49th festival will feature traditional favorites, such as the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale, CNH Industrial Buckaroo/Buckarette Rodeo, Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social, Goodwill Cajun Food Fest, Fidelity Bank River Run, Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks, and the Safelight AutoGlass Sundown Parade. Juanta is a freelance muralist and a teaching artist for Arts Partners’ Generation STEAM program who is preparing for an exhibit of his work in April. Juanta’s love of street art, painting and drawing has inspired him to create murals throughout Wichita. He is most proud of his work on a community-driven multi-mural project in the South Broadway neighborhood where he grew up. The artists are preparing for a collaborative show in June at The Workroom and working together on an AIGA community project, a deck of cards designed by 54 Wichita designers. When they’re not creating, Meghan and Juanta also share a love for another art—Brazilian jiu jitsu—which Juanta teaches, and their two dogs, Punkin and Skai, and cat, Medusa. A team of design professionals met on Dec. 20 and selected the winning design from twenty-six submissions. Representatives from Emprise Bank and Wichita Festivals presented the Wolfes with the $4,000 award for their designs. ### Wichita Festivals Announces New Board Officers November 21, 2019, WICHITA, Kan. – New officers have been announced for Wichita Festivals, Inc., a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that enhances Wichita’s quality of life through large-scale events, including Riverfest and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. Kim Gattis of UMB Bank will chair the organization’s board for the 2019-2020 board year. Chair-Elect is Shane Stuhlsatz, Fidelity Bank. The board secretary is Jeff McCausland, KWCH-TV. Lisa Binau of Dunning & Associates is the organization’s treasurer. Ty Patton, McCurdy Auction, LLC, remains an officer as the board’s immediate past chair. The officers were elected at the Wichita Festivals, Inc. annual meeting on Oct. 29. Retiring from the Wichita Festivals board were Gary Austerman, Klenda Austerman LLC; independent accountant Alysha Besperat, CPA; and Barry Schwan, House of Schwan. 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 29- June 6, 2020), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 11, 2020) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2020). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### TY TABING SELECTED AS NEXT PRESEIDENT/CEO OF WICHITA FESTIVALS WICHITA, Kan. – Nov. 7, 2019 – Wichita Festivals, Inc., the not-for-profit corporation that produces Riverfest and is driven by a mission to create diverse celebrations for Wichita and the surrounding community, announced today that Ty Tabing has been selected as the organization’s new President and CEO, effective Nov. 20. “We are excited to bring Ty on board to continue growing the organization and community events for which we are known,” said Kim Gattis, chair of WFI’s board of directors. “He joins us at an exciting time of growth and change, and is uniquely equipped to assist our team in adapting to and flourishing alongside new developments in our city’s core.” “In today’s competition for people, cities have to offer unique experiences that appeal to both locals and out of town visitors. I look forward to working with WFI stakeholders and staff to continue to deliver events that better connect people to Wichita,” Tabing said. “Getting Wichitans to love their city more through events like Riverfest helps grow our population and economy.” In 2017, Tabing returned to his hometown of Wichita to continue a successful two-decade career in economic development and city revitalization. A graduate of Wichita High School North and Wichita State University, he holds a master’s degree in public policy from University of Chicago. At the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Tabing led downtown development projects that involved zoning, financial incentives and urban planning. He went on to lead the Chicago Loop Alliance where he created economic development strategies, place-making projects, and public programs and also launched the Chicago Architecture Biennial. In Singapore, Tabing led a public-private partnership to enhance the Singapore River through urban planning, events, marketing, and place-making. Since returning to Wichita, Tabing consulted with Wichita State University and the Douglas Design District on place-making and infrastructure projects. He created a new program to convert vacant storefronts downtown into artist’s studios while at the same time working with other art leaders to devise strategies to use art and culture to drive economic development. Tabing also serves as a commissioner on the Wichita Board of Park Commissioners. Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that works to enhance the region’s quality of life by producing world-class community celebrations. WFI organizes Riverfest, which began as the city’s Centennial celebration in 1970 and now attracts more than 450,000 attendees and adds between $25 and $30 million to the local economy each year. Riverfest is among the world’s 40 largest outdoor events, as ranked by PollStar. WFI also produces Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, a three-day fine art show that has more than 30,000 attendees and features 100 painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists from around the nation. Over the years, Wichita Festivals has also produced the Wichita Vortex Music Festival, grand opening events for the new Eisenhower Airport, the Kansas Flight Festival and the Downtown Chili Cookoff, among others. For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST 2019 PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS SNAP UP $2,375 IN PRIZES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 26, 2019 - WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita Festivals, Inc. today announced the winners of the Riverfest 2019 Photo & Video Contest sponsored by 360Wichita.com, Hydraulic Studios and RSM Marketing at a Final Friday Exhibit and Awards Presentation at RSM. “We’ve really enjoyed being a part of this 14-year Riverfest tradition,” said Ian Clark, content and community manager, 360Wichita.com. “It’s wonderful to see the festival through the eyes of so many talented people.” Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention in seven photography categories, as well as two video awards, were presented by Ty Patton, chair of the board of directors of WFI, and Admiral Windwagon Smith XLVI, Ken Atnip. The Best of Show photo award went to Fernando Salazar for capturing an iconic shot of the Wichita Wagonmasters in the Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade on May 31. Best Video was presented to Cathy Le. Professional and amateur photographers have the chance to win their share of 33 awards – and $2,375 in cash prizes – by entering their favorite Riverfest photos and videos. A total of 859 photos and videos were submitted by 59 photographers and videographers this year. Their entries help document Riverfest 2019 and are used to promote the festival on its website, in advertisements and elsewhere. “The archive that develops from this contest is important to Riverfest, not just for promotional purposes, but as a record of the festival, too,” said Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication at WFI. “The participants, and the photos and videos they enter, become a part of our history, and we are grateful to them for sharing their talent.” Here are the photography categories and the winners in each: That’s SO Riverfest Riverfest Live! What’s New? Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade Face of Joy/Fireworks The Thrill of Victory People’s Choice Best of Show Photography Video Honorable Mention Best Video Wichita’s Riverfest 2020 is scheduled for May 29-June 6. Special thanks to our Riverfest Official Sponsors for 2019: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Spot’s Party Bus, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 6, 2019), Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019), and Riverfest (May 29-June 6, 2020). ### RIVERFEST 2019 THRIVES IN SPITE OF SWOLLEN ARKANSAS RIVER Heavy rains before, and storms during the festival did not stop attendees from chowing down and shaking a leg June 9, 2019 - WICHITA, Kan. – In spite of high water, rapid currents, and storms midweek, the 48th Riverfest finished on a high note, with the biggest festival day in 13 years, event officials announced today. Throughout the nine-day celebration, a total of 440,000 attendees enjoyed more than 100 events, with the largest crowds gathering for beloved traditions and brand-new events on opening and closing days. An estimated 75,000 people participated in Riverfest events on each of those days, with Saturday tallying the festival’s highest food and beverage sales since May 13, 2006. “A rushing river and some storm clouds can’t keep Wichitans from having a great time and supporting their community celebration,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., the non-profit organization that produces Riverfest. “Without events like paddleboats and jet-ski races, folks just turned their attention to our wonderful concert line-up and diverse events. We’re so grateful to the generous sponsors and hard-working volunteers who power this event to success decade after decade, no matter what.” Here are Riverfest 2019 results in to date: Special thanks to our Riverfest Official Sponsors for 2019: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Spot’s Party Bus, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations for the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Riverfest, Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 6, 2019) and Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### CLOSING DAYS OF RIVERFEST OFFER MAJOR HEADLINERS, FUN ON DRY LAND Throwback Thursday means free admission with a classic button; Vacay Friday offers extended hours WICHITA, Kan., June 6, 2019 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, will wrap up this weekend with four major concerts, a dance party, a fireworks finale, two car shows, family activities, a health and fitness fair and competitions, all free with a $10 admission button for adults or $5 button for kids ages 6-12. Due to high water levels and fast current, people-powered craft will not launch, and all river events associated with them have been cancelled. All dry land and indoor events will continue, and sidewalks adjacent to the river are now accessible, thanks to receding water levels and the efforts of City of Wichita Park & Recreation and Public Works staff. Visit WichitaRiverfest.com for event details or download the mobile app for iPhone or Android. EVENTS FOR THURSDAY, June 6: EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 7: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 8: DAILY FUN: Riverfest takes place through Saturday in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 48th year, the event offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including headliner concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Admission buttons are available now at the festival gates, area QuikTrip locations, and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to our Riverfest Official Sponsors for 2019: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Spot’s Party Bus, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 and Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### MORE RIVERFEST FUN WILL FOLLOW A BUSY OPENING WEEKEND Gospelfest starring Yolanda Adams kicks off a week of music and fun for everyone WICHITA, Kan., June 2, 2019 – Despite a swollen river, nearly 200,000 people attended the first three days of Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, to enjoy beautiful weather and dozens of dry land and indoor events. A new parade route drew 45,000 people to the Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade on opening day, registration for Fidelity Bank River Run on June 1 was up 25% over 2018, and large crowds gathered to enjoy STEAM City Presented by Koch Industries, Project PopCon, Riverfest Cornhole Tournament, Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Market, Young Lions Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, and other new and traditional events. Throughout the week, the Riverfest team will continue to monitor river conditions with the hope that river events can take place later in the festival. Monday kicks off a new week of music and fun, including the highly anticipated Gospelfest, starring the “First Lady of Modern Gospel,” Yolanda Adams. An American gospel singer, record producer, actress, and radio host of her own nationally syndicated morning gospel show, Adams has sold 4.5 million albums in the United States, (nearly eight million worldwide) and is a winner of multiple Grammy, Stellar and Dove Awards. Gospelfest, which begins at 6 p.m. on Riverfest’s Wichita Acura Dealers Stage, also brings together local musicians, choirs, and performing groups for an inspiring evening of celebration.
EVENTS FOR MONDAY, June 3:
EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 5: The 48th Riverfest takes place Friday, May 31 through June 8 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 – at QuikTrip stores. Official Riverfest 2019 sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Decker Electric, RedGuard SiteBox, PrairieLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting, Metro Courier, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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), Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019) and Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 6, 2019). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] GET READY FOR WICHITA’S DOWNTOWN GET DOWN, RIVERFEST 2019! WICHITA, Kan., May 30, 2019 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event and one of the 40 largest outdoor events in the world, according to PollStar, kicks off Friday, packed with 125 diverse events, concerts and activities. Each year, the festival unites the community and enlivens downtown Wichita. All this fun is available with a $10 admission button for adults. Children 5 and under are admitted free; buttons for children ages 6 to 12 are $5. “Our dedicated volunteers and generous partners make this world-class celebration possible, and we’re proud to offer both treasured traditions and innovative new events for all to enjoy,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Everyone should head downtown with friends and family and take advantage of nine days of incredible entertainment, fun food and unique events, all organized for the community, by the community.”
(NOTE: If events that take place in the river during the first weekend of Riverfest need to be rescheduled due to weather or swift current, a media alert will be sent out with details.) DAILY FUN: EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, May 31: • Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Location: Wichita Acura Dealers Stage on Kennedy Plaza. Sponsored by Riverfest Corporate Hosts; brought to you by The Buzz, KEYN, KFH, KNSS, Power 93.5 & KSN. Your Wichita Symphony Orchestra performs an exciting concert full of popular favorites complete with a spectacular firework finish! For the finale, the orchestra will be joined by the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery Regiment in performing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Bring your radio for the live concert broadcast on KEYN 103.7. EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 1: • Los Lobos Concert, 5:30-10 p.m. Location: Wichita Acura Dealers Stage on Kennedy Plaza. 6:30 p.m.: Sleepy Truckers; 8 p.m.: Delgado Brothers; 9:30 p.m.: Los Lobos. Brought to you by 104.5 The Fox, Radio Lobo and T95. ### CREATIVE EVENTS MAKE RIVERFEST 2019 A VERY ARTY PARTY Artist-in-Residence George Ferrandi will conduct community workshops; attendees invited to participate in art and music projects WICHITA, Kan., May 23, 2019 – Wichita Festivals, Inc. and Harvester Arts are teaming up to bring Brooklyn-based artist George Ferrandi to Riverfest 2019. The performance and installation artist will engage festival attendees at daily workshops, one of a number of creative opportunities at this year’s festival. Ferrandi, originally from Baltimore, is the creator and director of Jump!Star, a celebration and attempt to invent traditions – a thousand years in advance – that can be passed down to celebrate the eventual changing of the North Star. The artist’s involvement in Riverfest 2019 is part of this celebration, and takes the form of a series of events and appearances:
Create a sound snapshot of Riverfest and take part in MapMusik, a team initiative established by local artists and musicians to document the soundtrack of our community. Attendees can drop by the MapMusik tent in Ackerman’s Backyard and learn how to capture and upload a sound snapshot–4 to 6 seconds of video with audio of any aspect of Riverfest. Wichita composer Von Hansen will create a video postcard from the sound snapshots, which will be screened at the Wichita Acura Dealers Stage on Kennedy Plaza, on Friday, June 7 between the MarchFourth and Gogol Bordello concerts. Aspiring performers will want to join the fun when The Mp3 Experiment pops up at Riverfest at 5 p.m., Saturday, June 1 and 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 6. A fusion of technology and live art, the event requires the participation of attendees who will be given specific instructions for performance in real time. Those who want to participate can register at WichitaRiverfest.com, under Participatory Events. No prior performance experience is necessary. Visit ImprovEverywhere.com to learn more.
Other events offer opportunities to get creative, including the Sandcastle Build Competition and the Cardboard Regatta, which requires building a boat from cardboard, pool noodles and duct tape. There are also plenty of art-related things to see and experience at the festival, including the Human Car Wash, a walk-through installation by Mary Alexis Wirths.
Riverfest admission buttons ($10 for adults and $5 for children) are available at QuikTrip locations. Admission for kids five and younger is free. Details about the festival are available at WichitaRiverfest.com. The Wichita Riverfest 2019 mobile app can be downloaded for iPhone and Android.
The Riverfest 2019 Artist-in-Residence program is sponsored by Harvester Arts. For more information, or to volunteer, contact [email protected]
### WICHITA FESTIVALS READY FOR ITS NEXT CEO April 18, 2019 – WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc., the charitable organization that for 48 years has produced the region’s largest community celebrations, today announced it will seek a new leader, as its president and CEO since November 2012, Mary Beth Jarvis, plans to depart the organization this summer. “The Wichita Festivals team has done a fantastic job of both stewarding and re-invigorating great traditions in recent years,” said Ty Patton, General Counsel and Auctioneer for McCurdy Auction and Wichita Festivals’ chairman of the board. “Cities around the country have seen their festivals fade away or become so expensive that many can’t participate. But here, marshalled by Wichita Festivals, businesses and organizations band together to support Riverfest and other inclusive community events that help unify us and make our community better.” In the past six years, Wichita Festivals’ total revenue is up 44 percent, led by Riverfest button revenues increasing by 93 percent and Riverfest cash sponsorships growing by nearly 50 percent. Over this same time period, broad community support has been reflected in event attendance up more than 50 percent, volunteer numbers doubling, and the organization cultivating more than 250 new event partners. This support has helped the organization rebuild reserves to meet future operational and facility needs. “We are undertaking this search at an exciting time for Festivals and the region,” said Kim Gattis, senior vice president for UMB Private Wealth Management and Wichita Festivals’ incoming board chair, who will head up the search committee for Jarvis’ replacement. “WFI is superbly fulfilling its charitable mission of producing diverse, quality festivals and also serving as a ‘go-to’ resource for activating public spaces and enhancing the community with events. Our next leader will have the chance to continue that work as our city strives to imagine and create a great future for our riverfront and downtown.” “Leading this organization is an energizing, satisfying privilege,” said Jarvis. “Our next CEO will get to work every day planning exciting events while serving under a dynamic, engaged board and alongside the diverse and dedicated members of our staff and core volunteer force. I believe that new perspectives and ideas have helped WFI stay relevant and succeed over the decades, and this is a chance to bring fresh eyes and talent to this important mission.” Jarvis will serve through the 2019 Riverfest and help transition to a new leader following the festival. Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter and professional references to [email protected] Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that works to enhance the region’s quality of life by producing world-class community celebrations. Wichita Festivals organizes Riverfest, which began as the city’s Centennial celebration in 1970 and now attracts more than 450,000 attendees and adds between $25 and $30 million to the local economy each year. Riverfest is among the world’s 40 largest outdoor events, as ranked by PollStar. WFI also produces Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, a three-day fine art show that has more than 30,000 attendees and features 100 painters, sculptors, photographers and other artists from around the nation. Over the years, Wichita Festivals has also produced the Wichita Vortex Music Festival, grand opening events for the new Eisenhower Airport, the Kansas Flight Festival and the Downtown Chili Cookoff, among others. For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### KEN ATNIP TO SERVE AS WINDWAGON SMITH XLVI Ambassador of Riverfest 2019 is a dedicated volunteer and retired WPD captain “Ken is a fitting and inspiring choice to represent his fellow Riverfest volunteers,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “He’s a tireless advocate for our world-class party, and this is just one more way for him to share his love for all who work to make our community better.” Atnip began his career in law enforcement at 21, joining the Wichita Police Department. He served mostly in investigations, including 15 years fighting narcotics and working on SCAT, the department’s Special Community Action Team to deter drug- and gang-related crime. Captain Atnip commanded the Property Crimes Bureau prior to retiring after 33 years of dedicated service. The admiral began volunteering on the Riverfest Operations Team, nicknamed the Red Shirts, in the early 2000’s. Initially involved in Riverfest via his WPD role, he “quickly realized the importance of the event and how the work of festival staff and volunteers improves the overall quality of life for those who work and raise their families here.” He has contributed his skills and dedication to every facet of the festival, doing set-up and tear down, working with national brands and touring exhibits, keeping the festival warehouse in tip-top shape, providing experienced guidance around event security, and more. Atnip took on the role of General Chair for Riverfest 2013 and has been fundamental to the success of other Wichita Festivals events, including Autumn & Art, Vortex Music Festival and Bracket Bash, receiving the Galaxy Award, Wichita Festivals’ most prestigious volunteer award. 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. Atnip is the 46th admiral, and he was introduced at an event at the former central branch of the public library, against the backdrop of the Riverfest grounds. Atnip has been a member of the Wichita Wagonmasters since 2009. He serves on the board of the Wichita Metro Crime Commission and is a recipient of their Twelve Apostles of Justice Award. He is a past president and current board member of Crime Stoppers Wichita/Sedgwick County. The Admiral and his wife, Mylene, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have one son, Chase, who graduated from the University of Kansas and now lives in the Kansas City area. As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2019, Atnip will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, May 31-June 8. He will be assisted by the 2019 Prairie Schooner Mates, who were also present at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth representatives for Riverfest. In addition to revealing the admiral’s identity, Jarvis also shared information about Riverfest 2019: Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates:
New Riverfest sponsors include: 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel, Ascension Via Christi, Black Hills Energy, Dillons, Duke Aerial Inc., Fugate Enterprises, ICTeeth, Johnson Media Services, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Superior Rents, Trinity Rentals, and Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Pop Co. 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, Sunflower Bank, 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 [email protected] ###
DISCOUNTED RIVERFEST BUTTONS AVAILABLE NOW Early-bird buttons offered exclusively at Meineke Car Care Centers through May 4 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. 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 [email protected] ###
RIVERFEST 2019 CONCERT HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED From popular hip hop and ska acts to New Orleans jazz and gypsy punk, the 2019 line-up is diverse February 20, 2019 – WICHITA, Kan . – Wichita Festivals, Inc., along with its media partners, today announced Riverfest 2019’s concert headliners. Admission to every Riverfest concert is included in the price of an adult or child admission button. “To get nine days of headliner performances for the price of a Riverfest button is an astounding value, and we can offer that because of the great companies who support Riverfest as one of their community contributions,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Wichita Festivals’ President and CEO. “Our 48-year community event is much more than a music festival, but the high-profile musical entertainment definitely attracts both neighbors and visitors to join us in our collective backyard of downtown Wichita.” Starting at noon at WAVE in downtown Wichita, hosts DJ Carbon and Heavy Metal Marta revealed the upcoming concerts and select new events for 2019. Tradition will rule on opening night, May 31, with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra’s Twilight Pops Concert on Kennedy Plaza. The concert follows the Safelite AutoGlass® Sundown Parade, while Texas band The Toadies rock out on the RedGuard stage. The evening will end with the Textron Aviation Opening-Night Fireworks. The symphony concert and fireworks soundtrack will be broadcast live on FM 103.7 KEYN. On Saturday, June 1, Los Angeles powerhouse Los Lobos will bring their diverse rock and roll sound to the Kennedy Plaza Stage, flavored with Tex-Mex, country, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, boleros and norteños. Their remake of La Bamba was a number one single in the U.S. and U.K. in 1987, and they have had 10 songs chart in Billboard’s Top 50. T95, 104.5 The Fox and Radio Lobo will co-host. That evening at the RedGuard Stage, ¡Viva Wichita!, a Latin-flavored dance party hosted by Radio Lobo, will feature La Furia del Bravo with opening acts Lusio Molina y Sus Rivales and AYCCI Nortena. Sunday, June 2, radio partner KFDI will help host a giant country concert, sponsored in part by Star Lumber, on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Also that evening, a popular concert event will return to Riverfest. River Blues Renewed will feature a down and dirty line-up curated by the Wichita Blues Society and hosted by BOB-FM. Gospel legend Yolanda Adams will light up the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Monday, June 3. An American gospel singer, record producer, actress, and former radio host of her own nationally syndicated morning gospel show, she has sold 4.5 million albums in the United States, and nearly eight million worldwide. Gospelfest will also feature local groups and choir members. The event is sponsored by Cox Business, It Takes a Village, Spirit AeroSystems, and Westar Energy with media partner KMUW. Brooklyn-based hip hop recording artist, entrepreneur, and social activist Talib Kweli will headline the Wet ‘n’ Wild Dance Party Wednesday, June 5, on the Kennedy Plaza Stage, hosted by Channel 963. With a recording and producing career that has spanned two decades, Kweli has performed solo and in Black Star with Mos Def, and Reflection Eternal with producer Hi-Tek. His company, Javotti Media, produces films, music and books. The Wichita Wagonmasters will dish up free ice cream at the Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social on Douglas Avenue. Wednesday’s RedGuard Stage show will have a country flavor, as it follows the beloved CNH Industrial Buckaroo/Buckarette Rodeo in Cox Kids Corner. Radio 102.1 The Bull is media partner for both events. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will raise a New Orleans-style ruckus on the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Thursday, June 6, hosted by KEYN. An excellent complement to Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest, Shorty (who was born Tony Andrews in NOLA,) first performed with Bo Diddley at the age of four, was a bandleader at six, and plays the trombone, trumpet, drums, organ, and tuba. While best known as a jazz musician, the Grammy nominee has worked with some of the biggest names in rock, pop, jazz, funk, and hip hop. Known for their theatrical stage shows, rockers Gogol Bordello will bring their high-energy show to the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Friday, June 7. Spiked with accordion and violin, this New York City-based band’s sound is a mixture of dub, punk and traditional gypsy music. San Francisco’s March Fourth Marching Band will open. On the RedGuard Stage, color and electronic dance music will take over as Channel 963 hosts the Chroma Dance Party. Riverfest 2019 will end on a high note when Spirit AeroSystems Presents Sublime with Rome on the Kennedy Plaza Stage, Saturday, June 8. A musical collaboration between Eric Wilson, formerly of the American ska punk band Sublime, and singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez, the group chiefly performs songs by the original Sublime, which was fronted by Bradley Nowell until his death in 1996. SOJA and Common Kings will be the opening acts for this show. Fiesta del Rio, featuring La Sonora Tropicana and El Morro Y Su Reunion, will take place on the RedGuard Stage that night and is co-sponsored by Radio Lobo. The Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale will close the festival with a bang following the concerts. - more - Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $10, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $5. Buttons are available at an early-bird discount price of $7 for adults and $3 for children April 5-May 4 at area Meineke Car Care Centers, located at Central and Washington, K96 and Woodlawn, 21st and Amidon, Webb and Central and Pawnee and Seneca in Wichita; in Derby and in Hutchinson. Full-price buttons will be available at QuikTrip locations beginning May 5. 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 official marketing partner, Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 [email protected] ### WICHITA ARTIST JAY WALTER CREATES WINNING RIVERFEST ART Presentation at Emprise Bank includes announcement of new events, festival changes January 25, 2019—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. unveiled the official artwork and announced new events and changes for Riverfest 2019 at a media event today at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the artwork contest. Wichita-based artist Jay Walter collected a check for $4,000 for his design, which depicts iconic downtown buildings and features a break-dancer as the centerpiece for key Riverfest activities. Having wanted to enter the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest for years, this was the first year Walter pulled the trigger. He sketched a handful of compositions before honing in on the “Downtown Get Down” theme. “I’m so excited to have this opportunity as an artist and a citizen,” Walter said. “What a perfect-for-me way to support the Wichita community and contribute to Riverfest. And it was a great contest experience, thanks to the team at Wichita Festivals and Emprise Bank.” The button designs capture elements of the winning poster, and the art will be featured in promotional materials and on merchandise. The poster, sponsored by Docuplex, serves as an invitation to the largest community celebration in Kansas: Riverfest, set for May 31-June 8. A Riverfest button allows admission for all nine days of the festival. Adult buttons (for ages 13 and up) are available at the early-bird price of $7 when purchased by online presale now at wichitafestivals.ticketspice.com/2019-button-sales or in person April 5-May 4 at Meineke Car Care Centers. The price for the popular child’s button (ages 6-12) will be $3 through May 4. Starting May 5, buttons will be available at area QuikTrip locations: $10 for adults and $5 for children. Kids five years old and younger get in free. FIDELITY BANK TO PRESENT RIVERFEST’S 43rd RIVER RUN Kansas’ longest-running road race is embraced by long-time Wichita Festivals supporter January 16, 2019 — WICHITA, Kan.— Wichita Festivals, Inc., and its long-time supporter, Fidelity Bank, today announced that the fourth generation, family-owned financial institution will sponsor Riverfest 2019’s Fidelity Bank River Run. “Pairing a great partner like Fidelity Bank with one of our most beloved events is a fantastic scenario for us and all who value Riverfest," said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “This race series helped establish the popular tradition of foot races in Kansas, and we expect the Fidelity Bank River Run will thrive and grow, thanks to their generous support and enthusiastic involvement.” In addition to their ongoing support of Riverfest, which has included sponsorship of festival ATMs in recent years as well as old-school favorites Mardi Gras Day and Thursday Jazz Concerts, Fidelity Bank also has been the presenting sponsor of Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, WFI’s annual fine-art fair, since it was established in 2010. Established in the early years of the Wichita River Festival, the River Run grew rapidly and has been a fixture among the state’s leading road races since the late 1970s. It was supported by Bank of America and its local predecessors, including the Fourth National Bank, from 1980 to 2011. Kansas Health Foundation picked up the torch in 2012 and served as sponsor for the event through 2018. Going forward, the foundation, which works to enhance Kansans’ health and well-being, will sponsor Riverfest’s hydration stations. 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 [email protected]
GOT TALENT, IDEAS, SUPPORT? ‘BRING IT!’ TO RIVERFEST 2019 Applications now available for Emprise Bank Poster-Art Contest, entertainers, event organizers and food vendors; Sponsors sought October 15, 2018 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today invited individuals and businesses to embrace their best and “Bring It!,” to Riverfest 2019, releasing the Call for Entries for the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest sponsored by Emprise Bank, as well as applications for food vendors, entertainers and event organizers for Riverfest 2019. The planning season for Riverfest 2019 kicks off today. Since 1970, the festival been the area’s signature celebration, developed for the community, by the community. Artists who would like their work to become part of Wichita’s history and those interested in helping engage, entertain and feed festivalgoers will need to submit the appropriate applications, which have deadlines ranging from Dec. 1 to Jan. 14. “Artists have three different themes from which to choose when creating their design: ‘Downtown Get-Down,’ ‘Have Button, Will Party!’ and ‘Party on the Prairie,’” said Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication for WFI. “Or if they’re feeling really ambitious, they can create three designs: one for each theme.” The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2019 poster, buttons, official T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in promotional campaigns for the nine-day annual celebration, scheduled for May 31-June 8 in downtown Wichita.
Local and regional entertainers also have an important place in Riverfest history. While national headline acts are much anticipated, favorite area bands and other performers have always been fundamental to the diverse flavor of Riverfest. Plus, iconic Riverfest events such as the bathtub races have sprung from the minds of local hobbyists and civic groups.
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 (Sept. 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 [email protected] RIVERFEST 2018 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS CAPTURE $2,250 IN PRIZES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 27, 2018 - WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita Festivals, Inc. today announced the winners of the Riverfest 2018 Photo Contest sponsored by Lawrence Photo, Print & Frame at a Final Friday Awards Presentation and Exhibit at Abode Venue. “It has been such an honor – and so much fun – to be involved in this classic Riverfest event,” said Paul Hudson of Lawrence Photo, Print & Frame. “What a joy to see the festival through the eyes of so many different Riverfest fans!” Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention in eight categories were presented by WFI President and CEO Mary Beth Jarvis and Admiral Windwagon Smith XLV Tim Norton. The “Best of Show” award went to David Maneth for a shot that captured the action and fun of the Stock Tank Races Saturday, June 2. Professional and amateur photographers have the chance to win their share of 33 awards – and $2,250 in cash prizes – by entering their favorite Riverfest photos. A total of 1,543 photos were submitted by 78 photographers this year. Their entries help document Riverfest 2018 and are used to promote the festival on its website, in advertisements and elsewhere. “It’s wonderful to close out this year’s festival by reliving its excitement through the talent of dozens of local photographers,” said Jarvis. “And now their work will live on, capturing the history and forging the public image of Riverfest, one of the top 50 largest outdoor events in the world, which we’re proud to host right here in downtown Wichita.” Here are the categories and the winners in each: Riverfest Live! What’s New? Safelight AutoGlass Sundown Parade Face of Joy/Fireworks The Thrill of Victory People’s Choice Best in Show Wichita’s Riverfest 2019 is scheduled for May 31 - June 8. Special thanks to our official Riverfest sponsors for 2018: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018), Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018), and Riverfest (May 31-June 8, 2019). ###
BEST OF SHOW CONCERTS AND POPULAR EVENTS DRIVE BIG NUMBERS AT RIVERFEST 2018 Traditional events and new features inspire 460,000 citizens and visitors to celebrate the community June 10, 2018 - WICHITA, Kan. – Riverfest 2018 wrapped up with great moods matching excellent numbers, festival officials announced today. A total of 460,000 attendees during the nine days enjoyed more than 140 events, with the largest concert crowd since 2016 gathering for Spirit AeroSystems Presents “Purple Reigns” starring Morris Day & the Time and The Revolution. “Once again, our dedicated volunteers and generous partners made something spectacular happen for Wichita,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, the nonprofit organization that produces Riverfest. “The festival saw record-low safety and security incidents, despite gigantic crowds and lots of hot weather. People stayed happy and hydrated, thanks to shade and misting tents, as well as the new Water Monster refill stations. We were on the river every day, hosted national performing acts visiting our area for the first time, and offered events and concerts that were incredibly diverse. Given the breadth of entertainment and activities, I was so pleased that citizens and visitors of every age and interest group were gathered together to enjoy this celebration. That’s exactly what we’re all about.” Here are Riverfest 2018 results in to date: • Wichicon comic and collectible convention welcomed 6,500 attendees. Riverfest Classic Car Show inside Century II Expo Hall welcomed 12,000 festival-goers. Special thanks to our Riverfest Official Sponsors for 2018: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### CLOSING WEEKEND OF RIVERFEST OFFERS MAJOR HEADLINERS, RIVER FUN 300,000 have attended the festival so far; Vacay Friday offers extended hours for families WICHITA, Kan., June 7, 2018 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, will wrap up this weekend with three major headliner concerts, two big events for kids, a colorful dance party, a fireworks finale, two car shows, great river events, family activities, contests and competitions, all free with a $10 admission button for adults or $5 button for kids ages 6-12. “So far, Riverfest 2018 has been all about the abundant sunshine, exciting new events and welcome amenities,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “If people haven’t yet checked out Star Lumber’s Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, The Last Carnival circus performances or our artist-in-residence by the river, they can still catch them. Upcoming events, such as the Riverfest Classic Car Show and KidFest, as well as the kayak and canoe races and fantastic concerts, are going to be huge! And it all ends with a bang, with the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale. Between now and then, we need folks to continue to stay safe in the sun and heat. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated at our new water stations, and take care of each other while you’re enjoying this great event.” EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 8: • Teens Got Talent Contest, 12-2 p.m.: Open Auditions; 4-6 p.m.: Finals. Location: RedGuard Stage. Are you a teen between the ages of 13-19? This is your chance to show the community what you’ve got! We are looking for singers, dancers, groups, troupes, bands, comedians, poets and magicians. If you’ve got a special talent, we want to see it! This is an open audition, but you’ll need to sign up in advance. Visit WichitaRiverfest.com for an entry form and details. Presented by Youth Educational Empowerment Program. EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 9: SELECTED DAILY EVENTS, Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9: Riverfest takes place through Saturday in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 47th year, the event offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including headliner concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Admission buttons are available now at the festival gates, area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to our Riverfest Official Sponsors for 2018: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound and Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST’S KICKOFF ROLLS TO MIDWEEK TRADITIONS, NEW EVENTS WICHITA, Kan., June 3, 2018 – Nearly 175,000 festival fans soaked up sunshine during the opening weekend of Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community celebration. Riverfest continues this week with events for all ages and interests, and star-studded concerts, all included with a $10 admission button for adults or $5 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “Opening weekend of our 47th Riverfest did not disappoint,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Surprisingly large crowds braved Friday’s heat to marvel at the super-creative entries in this year’s Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade, from the Squonk Opera performers to a giant Hiland Dairy cow. For a break from the heat, we brought the beloved Twilight Pops indoors, but everyone still got to enjoy the Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks on the banks of the river. “Saturday’s weather was breezy and beautiful, and Sunday was summer-perfect for folks taking in all the unique events staged over the weekend, such as STEAM City, the eSports tournament and Wichicon. And best of all,” Jarvis said, “Everyone was feeling the festival spirit. We had zero arrests, people stayed safe in the heat and sun, and I saw thousands of powdered-sugar smiles on the faces of happy festivalgoers.” Entertainers new to Riverfest, including the colorful and educational Squonk Opera, the high-energy Star Lumber Presents the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, and The Last Carnival circus troupe from Lawrence, Kan., joined fire performers Phlox in Ackerman’s Backyard (also known as A. Price Woodard Park) and the RedGuard Stage area to the delight of attendees. Robust crowds enjoyed Lucha Libre wrestling and a Hispanic dance party at the RedGuard stage while reggae royalty Stephen Marley, son of Bob and Rita Marley, entertained fans on Kennedy Plaza. Riverfest’s events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also download the Wichita Riverfest 2018 mobile app sponsored by Westar Energy, for Apple and Android phones, to find updated concert times and event schedules. EVENTS FOR MONDAY, June 4: EVENTS FOR TUESDAY, June 5 EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 6: EVENTS FOR THURSDAY, June 7: Throwback Thursday! SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: • The Crate Escape: An Escape Room Experience, Mon.-Thurs.: 5-10 p.m. at the Kennedy Plaza Tripodal Area. Free with a Riverfest button. Presented by The Art of Escape: ICT. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### COME ONE, COME ALL TO RIVERFEST 2018! WICHITA, Kan., May 31, 2018 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, kicks off this Friday with nine days of exhilarating concerts and activities designed to unite the community and celebrate Wichita’s rich history and talent. All this fun is available with a $10 admission button for adults. Children 5 and under are admitted free to the festival; buttons for children ages 6 to 12 are $5. “Thanks to the generosity of our partners and the hard work of volunteers, this year’s Riverfest is packed with both treasured traditions and innovative new events,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “It’s one of the world’s largest outdoor events – which all of us can be proud of – but at its heart, it’s a friendly backyard party to which everyone is invited. So head down to the river with friends and family and take advantage of nine days of incredible entertainment, fun food and unique events, all organized for the community, by the community. ” The 47th Riverfest features 137 events and attractions, including 20 new events, all outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access daily event and concert schedules, the festival map and more by downloading the Wichita Riverfest 2018 mobile app on their Apple and Android mobile devices. CONSTANT FUN: • The Crate Escape: An Escape Room Experience, Mon.-Thurs.: 5-10 p.m.; Fri. June 1: 5-11 p.m.; Fri. June 9, 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Kennedy Plaza Tripodal Area. Do you have what it takes to escape before time runs out? Free with a Riverfest button. Presented by The Art of Escape: ICT. EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 1: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 2: EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, June 3: The nine-day festival takes place June 1-9 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 47th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now at area QuikTrip and Dillons locations and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. VIP upgrades are available for specific concerts. ### RIVERFEST ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE INSPIRES SHARED PUBLIC ART EVENTS JooYoung Choi invites festivalgoers to help her reunite two imaginary brontosaurus siblings through art WICHITA, Kan., May 22, 2018 – Wichita Festivals, Inc. and Harvester Arts will partner again, this year bringing Houston-based JooYoung Choi (pronounced chay) to Riverfest as its 2018 Artist-in-Residence. The painter, sculptor, puppet maker and video artist brings with her a crew of imaginative characters who will motivate festivalgoers to enter Choi’s whimsical world, where reality takes a back seat and imaginations come out to play. “I often take issues and concerns I see rising up in my everyday life and translate them into stories that play out within my imaginary world,” Choi says. This world, she said, “has become home to every snow person we thought melted away, every imaginary friend we grew out of – here, they are all welcomed.” The “reality” of the extinct dinosaur Brontosaurus has passed through various phases since the first Brontosaurus skeleton was discovered in the late 1800s, Choi said; its full acceptance as its own prehistoric species has been as recent as 2015. With this in mind, Choi plans a series of immersive art opportunities for Riverfest 2018 around two invented characters, a Brontosaurus named Perennial Favorites and her adopted brother, Big Time Believer. Together they serve as catalysts for a series of projects Choi envisions. There will be a search initiated for Big Time Believer during the Sundown Parade, Choi said, and a garden of his favorite things will be created through the festival, prompting the characters to reunite. “We will make many things that her brother loves: whom-blooms, awesome blossoms, flatstruments and cosmic friends,” Choi said. Whom-blooms and awesome blossoms, for example – flowers designed by festivalgoers to look like or remember loved ones – will eventually provide the inflatable animal with a mane of colorful flowers made by budding local artists. JooYoung Choi was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1982. She immigrated to Concord, N.H., in 1983 by way of adoption. While completing her BFA at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, she returned to South Korea and reunited with her birth family. Since receiving her MFA from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., Choi's artwork has been exhibited in such venues as Contemporary Art Museum Houston, Project Row Houses, The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in Seattle, Wash.; The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, and Lawndale Art Center in Houston. “One of the things that excites me about this year’s Artist-in-Residence is the playfulness her work encourages between spectator and artist,” said Ann Keefer, vice president of program development for Wichita Festivals. “JooYoung’s work is uniquely suited for audiences because it is essentially storytelling. This exhibit allows the festival attendee to not only enter her colorful, magical world, but to add to the creation themselves. My hope is that her work allows the festival audience to reconnect with their own playfulness and imagination.” Flights of fancy similar to Choi’s have inspired other Artists-in-Residence in past years, said Kristin Beal, program director for Harvester Arts. “We as an organization provide a big sandbox for artists to play in and they design what they want to do,” she said. “For Riverfest, it’s also important that we give them that freedom. The festival is an immense project and this is not a traditional way to show your work, so we try to explore that and let them engage with that however they want to.” Perennial Favorite and other characters from Choi’s imaginative world can be found at Ackerman’s Backyard (also known as A. Price Woodard Park), south of the Douglas Avenue Bridge, 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday, June 1; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 2; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, June 3; 5-10 p.m., Monday June 4 through Thursday, June 7; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9. Oversized games, circus performers and plenty of riverfront activity can be easily discovered nearby. The artist invites Riverfest attendees to join her from 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 2-8 to create a special flower for the installation. In addition, Choi will conduct a flower-making workshop at Harvester Arts, 215 N. Washington, on Final Friday, May 25 starting at 7:30 p.m. She will also present an artist talk at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 30 at Harvester Arts. The Riverfest 2018 Artist-in-Residence program is sponsored by Harvester Arts. For more information, or to volunteer your time to assist the artist, contact [email protected] Riverfest admission buttons ($10 for adults and $5 for children) are available at QuikTrip and Dillons stores, and other retail locations. Admission for kids five and younger is free. Details about the festival are available at WichitaRiverfest.com. Riverfest 2018 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 1-9, 2018), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST EARLY-BIRD BUTTONS NOW ON SALE Discounted buttons available through May 5 at Meineke locations; New mobile app, powered by Westar, announced April 9, 2018 – WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, along with partner Meineke Car Care Centers, today kicked off sales of discounted Riverfest buttons and announced details of a new Riverfest mobile app, sponsored by Westar Energy. Admiral Windwagon Smith XLV Tim Norton 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 June 1-9. It will feature 118 total events, including diverse concerts, fireworks shows, fun on the Arkansas River, athletic and other contests, and entertainment and cultural performances 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 Blasdale, partner in Meineke, where early-bird buttons are available through May 5. “Our partnership with Riverfest is one of our favorites as they and their volunteers all truly embody the spirit of Wichita and everything that makes this city great.” Besides traditional Riverfest favorites, the 2018 festival includes 19 events brand new for this year. Attendees can check out the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show or demonstrations by The Last Carnival circus group in Ackerman’s Backyard (A. Price Woodard Park), compete in the Carlos O’Kelly’s Salsa Chop-Off, watch chefs transform festival food court items in the It’s Not Faire competition, marvel at the XPogo stunt team, dig for fossils with Field Station: Dinosaurs, see a unique show by Pittsburgh-based Squonk Opera or get an immersive virtual reality experience in the Cox Kids Corner. The festival has more indoor events than ever, such as Wichicon, the Riverfest Classic Car Show, a Wichita eSports tournament and gaming area, and KidFest. “Riverfest is our region’s signature event, and early-bird pricing on buttons helps ensure everyone can join the party,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Plus, our new mobile app will help people find their favorite events and check out new Riverfest experiences, all for the chance to win $1,000!” Attendees at today’s button-sales launch event were invited to download the new Wichita Riverfest 2018 mobile app, developed by Aloompa. Available from the App Store and GooglePlay, the app offers event and concert schedules, notifications of festival updates, info about food and beverages, news and social media links, Fest Quest, a game sponsored by Meritrust that encourages Riverfest fans to explore the festival and capture QR codes for a chance to win $1,000, and many other features. During the early-bird sales period, April 9-May 5, 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.), Derby (1910 N. Nelson Dr.) and Hutchinson (1223 E. 30th Ave.). Starting May 6, full-price buttons ($10 for adults and $5 for children) will be available at major button retailers. Admission for kids five and younger is free. Riverfest 2018 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 1-9, 2018), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### TIM NORTON IS WINDWAGON SMITH XLV Former Sedgwick County commissioner is ambassador of Riverfest 2018 March 16, 2018 — WICHITA, Kan.— During a press conference today at Wichita Festivals’ Bracket Bash, an outdoor sports celebration just south of INTRUST Bank Arena, Tim Norton was revealed as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLV, ambassador of Riverfest 2018. Norton, who served as Sedgwick County Commissioner for 16 years, worked as store team leader and master trainer for Target Stores for 22 years. As mayor of Haysville, he provided strong leadership during the challenging clean-up that followed a devastating tornado in 1999. The patriarch of a clan that has been devoted to Riverfest since they arrived in Wichita in 1980, Norton has been fundamental in planning and executing some of Riverfest’s most popular events, including Senior Celebration and Arts in the Park. “But my best memory was years of leading the Target Shopping Cart Brigade in the Sundown parade with my golden plunger,” said Norton. “Our employees loved it and the crowd went crazy. I am glad the crowd didn't realize how un-organized the weaves and intricate routines really were!" The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith was established in 1974, when John Bell first wore the red coat and represented the third Riverfest, then known as Wichitennial River Festival. Norton is the 45th admiral. Norton’s other commitments to the community include years of service to the United Way of the Plains, the Salvation Army, Communities in Schools, Goodwill, Exploration Place, and the Wichita Chamber along with many other non-profit boards. He presently serves as the board chair of the WATC foundation and has recently accepted board positions for the Pando Initiative, the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, and Grace Med. Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates: New Riverfest sponsors include: AccuWeather, Barleycorn’s, Field Station Dinosaur, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Grene Vision, Home Lumber & Supply, iSi Environmental, KS State Bank, Lane Enterprises, Lange Real Estate, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Quantum Credit Union, and TECT AeroSpace. Riverfest 2018 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. A digital press kit with a bio and photo of the Admiral and this press release is available at WichitaRiverfest.com. 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 (June 1-9, 2018), Bracket Bash (March 15-17, 2018), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ###
Admiral Windwagon Smith XLV Tim Norton
WHO IS PLAYING RIVERFEST? YOUR OLD AND NEW FAVORITES Nine days of concerts and one hundred-plus events are all free with a Riverfest button March 1, 2018 – WICHITA, Kan . – Wichita Festivals, Inc., along with its media partners, today announced Riverfest 2018’s headliners, one of the most diverse concert line-ups the festival has ever scheduled. All of Riverfest’s stage performances are included in the price of an admission button. “This 47-year community event is much more than a music festival, but within it you definitely get world-class musical entertainment,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Wichita Festivals’ President and CEO. “Thanks to our generous Riverfest sponsors, neighbors and visitors alike can attend nine days of high-quality, diverse performances just for the price of a Riverfest button.” Riverfest’s entertainment kicks off Friday, June 1 with Riverfest Corporate Hosts presenting the traditional Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. That Kennedy Plaza concert follows the Safelite® AutoGlass Sundown Parade, while emo rock act Hawthorne Heights will perform on the RedGuard Stage, with Listener, a spoken word rock band from Fayetteville, Ark. The evening will end with the Textron Aviation Opening-Night Fireworks. On Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, Squonk Opera will perform their unique theatrical, educational and musical show, “Cycle Sonic,” three times each day in the RedGuard Stage area. With mechanical magic and steampunk flair, this group of musicians and performers teach lessons about science that appeal to the entire family. The troupe will also take part in the parade on Friday. On Saturday, June 2, a world music celebration will take place on the Kennedy Plaza Stage, starring Matisyahu and Stephen Marley. A Jewish-American reggae vocalist and alternative rock musician, Matisyahu is known for blending Orthodox Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip hop beatboxing sounds. His 2005 single, “King Without a Crown,” was a U.S. Top 40 hit. He has released five studio albums as well as two live albums and two remix CDs. Stephen “Ragamuffin” Marley is the son of Bob Marley. He has won eight Grammy Awards, three as a solo artist, two as a producer for his younger brother Damian Marley, and three as a member of Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. That evening at the RedGuard Stage, La Raza Fest, a Latin-flavored dance party, will feature La Sonora Dinamita, Los Novatos del Norte and Los Vatos Kumbia. Sunday, June 3, Randy Houser, a country music powerhouse hailing from Lake, Miss., will headline the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Also that evening, the RedGuard Stage will play host to the bluegrass stylings of Trampled by Turtles, from Duluth, Minn., with popular thrash-grassers Split Lip Rayfield warming up the crowd. Gospelfest welcomes the “Prince of Gospel Music,” John P. Kee, to the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Monday, June 4. A pastor, Kee was named to the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and is known for mixing traditional and contemporary gospel and for his soulful, husky voice. Gospelfest will also feature local groups and choir members, as well as national recording artist, Bishop Cortez Vaughn. The event is sponsored by Cox Business, Spirit AeroSystems, Westar Energy and UCI. That same night, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will headline the RedGuard Stage. This is the first time Willie Nelson’s son and the band most famous for backing Neil Young have brought their fantastic blues-rock-Americana show to the Wichita area. David Lowrey’s American rock band, Cracker, will open. The show is sponsored by Lange Real Estate. Wichita’s talented theater community will strut their stuff when “Festival of Broadway” returns to Kennedy Plaza on Tuesday, June 5, featuring Music Theatre Wichita, Roxy’s Downtown, Mosley Street Melodrama and the Laughing Feet Performers. On the RedGuard Stage, the Kansas Army National Guard’s 35th Infantry Division rock band will headline A Salute to Military sponsored by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Grammy-nominated artists Cypress Hill will cap off the Wet ‘n’ Wild Dance Party Wednesday, June 6, on the Kennedy Plaza Stage, following reggae act, Hirie. Cypress Hill is the first Latino America hip-hop group to release platinum and multi-platinum albums. Meanwhile, the Wichita Wagonmasters will dish up free ice cream at the Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social on Douglas Avenue. Beatles tribute acts Ringer Star and Across the Pond will play the RedGuard Stage that night, following the CNH Industrial Buckaroo/Buckarette Rodeo in Cox Kids Corner. Hollywood Records’ blues/rock/soul artist ZZ Ward will headline the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Thursday, June 7. Ward’s 2017 album, “The Storm” – featuring a number of famous guest artists and her own gritty, soul-fueled voice – shot to number 1 on the blues charts. The Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest will be offering a taste of New Orleans that evening, and Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio will be the opening act. The closing celebration for Riverfest 2018 kicks off at Kennedy Plaza on Saturday, June 9 with Spirit AeroSystems Presents Purple Reigns, celebrating the music and life of Prince, starring The Revolution and Morris Day and the Time. A legendary Minneapolis rock band formed by Prince in 1983 and best known as part of the “Purple Rain” phenomena, The Revolution fuses rhythm and blues, rock, pop and funk and touts an all-star line-up including Wendy & Lisa and Dr. Fink. A friend and collaborator of Prince since their high school days, Morris Day has released four solo albums and five with his band The Time.As an actor, in addition to playing opposite Prince in Purple Rain, Day has worked with icons such as Richard Pryor and Andrew Dice Clay. Fiesta del Rio, featuring a variety of Hispanic bands, will take place on the RedGuard Stage that night and is co-sponsored by Radio Lobo and Rusty Eck Ford. The Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale will close the festival with a bang following the concerts. Riverfest will also feature dozens of local and regional acts, including Hotel Books, Ziggowatts, Cavves, Vehicles, Flaming Wailers, Adam Capps, DJ Carbon and others. In addition to the Kennedy Plaza and RedGuard stages, Ackerman’s Backyard will play host to a variety of DJs each night. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $10, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $5. Buttons are available at an early-bird discount price of $7 for adults and $3 for children April 9-May 5 at area Meineke Car Care Centers, located at Central and Washington, K96 and Woodlawn, 21st and Amidon, Webb and Central and Pawnee and Seneca in Wichita; in Derby and in Hutchinson. Full-price buttons will be available at major button retailors (Dillons and QuikTrip) beginning May 6. Media partners for Riverfest 2018 include 104.5 The Fox, Active Age, Alt 107.3, Ashby Street Outdoor, B98FM, BOB-FM, The Bull, The Buzz, Channel 963, The Community Voice, Cox Communications, East Wichita News, Flight 100.5, FOX Kansas, Great Plains TV, Intake Studios, KAKE, Kansas Country, KCTU, KEYN, KFDI, KFH, KGSO, KMUW, KNSS, KQAM, KSN, KWCH, KWLS, La Raza, Liberty Press, POWER 93.5, Radio Lobo, Splurge!, T95, VIP Wichita, VYPE, West Side Story, Wichita.com and Wichita Eagle/Kansas.com. Riverfest 2018 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and official marketing partner, Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 1-9, 2018), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 7, 2018) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### WINNER OF RIVERFEST 2018 ARTWORK DESIGN CONTEST REVEALED Presentation at Emprise Bank includes announcement of the Riverfest 2018 Artist-in-Residence and new events January 26, 2018—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. unveiled the official artwork for Riverfest 2018, introduced the artist who designed it and announced initial festival news at a press event today at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the artwork contest. ### Riverfest 2018 Official Poster & Button Artist Joe Worley YOU’RE THE FEST: RIVERFEST 2018 CALLING FOR ENTRIES Applications now available for Emprise Bank Poster-Art Contest, festival entertainers, event organizers and food vendors October 16, 2017 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today released the Call for Entries for the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest sponsored by Emprise Bank, as well as applications for food vendors, entertainers and event organizers for Riverfest 2018. This launches the planning season for Riverfest, which since 1970 has been the area’s signature celebration, developed for the community, by the community. Artists who would like their work to become part of Wichita’s history and those interested in helping engage, entertain and feed festivalgoers next June will need to submit the appropriate applications, which have deadlines ranging from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15. “A balance of long-held traditions with new ideas, events and experiences are at the heart of Riverfest each year, and we need your help to build a memorable festival,” said Ann Keefer, vice president of program development for Wichita Festivals. “If you’ve got a band or a dance troupe, you’re a magician or comedian, apply! Got an idea for a unique event or activity, or have a suggestion for improving a current event? Let us hear from you. We welcome community members to bring their talents and passions to the state’s biggest party, and this is their chance to do that.” Poster and button designs are sought for Riverfest 2018. The winning artist will receive a $3,500 cash prize. All artists 18 or older are invited to participate and no fee is required to enter. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 to be eligible. “This year we are not limiting designs to a specific theme,” said Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication, Wichita Festivals. “We want artists to go wherever their Riverfest-inspired imaginations take them.” The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2018 poster, buttons, official T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in promotional campaigns for the nine-day annual celebration, scheduled for June 1-9 in downtown Wichita. Original Wichitennial and Wichita River Festival designs dating back to 1970 were created by local artists. Conducted periodically throughout the 47-year history of the festival, the annual contest was reestablished by popular demand in 2011. Release of the artwork is much anticipated and collectors value the pins, posters and buttons based on the artwork. Local and regional entertainers also have an important place in Riverfest history. While national headline acts are much anticipated, favorite area bands and other performers have always been fundamental to the diverse flavor of Riverfest. Plus, iconic Riverfest events such as the bathtub races have sprung from the minds of local hobbyists and civic groups. Those interested in contributing their talents to Riverfest can find New Event, Entertainment, and Food Vendor applications, as well as the Poster & Button Artwork Contest rules and application at WichitaRiverfest.com. 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 (June 1-9, 2018) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 14-16, 2018). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS TAKE HOME $1,800 IN PRIZES July 28, 2017 - WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita Festivals, Inc. today announced the winners of the Annual Riverfest Photography Contest at a Final Friday Exhibit and reception at Douglas Photographic Imaging, sponsor of the contest. Professional and novice photographers have the chance to win their share of 26 awards, a total of $1,800 in cash prizes by submitting their favorite Riverfest photos each year. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and runner-up in six categories were presented at DPI by WFI President/CEO Mary Beth Jarvis and Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIV Wendy Johnson. The “Best in Show” award went to Debbie Greene for her dynamic view of the colorful Flaming Lips concert on Saturday, June 3. A total of 309 photos were submitted by 24 photographers this year. Photographs submitted for the contest help document Riverfest 2017 and are used to promote the festival on its website, in advertisements and elsewhere. “Every year we close out Riverfest by taking a look at the festival perspectives captured by our photo contest entrants,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Their work helps us relive and market this great community event, and we and our partners at DPI are happy to honor them.” Here are the categories and the winners in each: 100% Pure Riverfest Riverfest Live River Madness Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks, Safelight AutoGlass Sundown Parade The Thrill of Victory Best Selfie Best in Show Wichita’s Riverfest 2018 is scheduled for June 1-9. Special thanks to our official Riverfest sponsors for 2017: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, 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 (June 1-9, 2018), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). ###
CONCERT CROWDS DRIVE STRONG ATTENDANCE AT RIVERFEST 2017 River Madness concludes with six sunny days for new, traditional events to be enjoyed by a total of 410,000 festivalgoers June 11, 2017 - WICHITA, Kan. – Riverfest 2017 ended on high notes, festival officials announced today, with a total attendance of 410,000, driven by large concert crowds for the Koch Presents Common and Randy Newman shows Friday, June 9; and Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River with OK Go and Fiesta Del Rio on Saturday, June 10. “After rain showers softened crowds the first weekend of Riverfest, Mother Nature smiled on us, and attendance and food sales finished strong,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization that produces Riverfest. “People loved the entertainment, river events and activities for kids and adults alike, and they really enjoyed our new amenities: a huge shade tent in the food court; misting tents at each concert venue; a new app, courtesy of Westar; and a giant screen to simulcast events and showcase some of our nearly 8,000 volunteers, sponsors and collaborating organizations.” Here are Riverfest 2017 results in to date: “We also had another safe, secure year, with only five medical transports and 10 arrests by our Wichita Police Department partners. Overall, we were excited to have so many attendees engage in our events and enjoy the entertainment, all while behaving respectfully and staying safe,” Jarvis said. This continues the stellar security record achieved in recent years by gating the event. As recently as 2012, there were more than 100 law-enforcement issues associated with the event. Special thanks to our official Riverfest sponsors for 2017: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### CLOSING WEEKEND OF RIVERFEST OFFERS MAJOR HEADLINERS, RIVER FUN Nearly 300,000 have attended the festival so far; large-scale events planned for Friday and Saturday WICHITA, Kan., June 9, 2017 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, will wrap up this weekend with four major concerts, a fireworks finale, a car show, a craft show, great river events, family activities, contests and competitions, all free with a $10 admission button for adults or $5 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “River Madness has been terrific fun, so far! Since Sunday, we’ve had perfect weather, and nearly 300,000 attendees have really enjoyed the diverse events and concerts, as well as our new amenities – from a giant shade tent in the food court to misting tents, the giant video screen, and our new app, sponsored by Westar Energy,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We’re excited about the large-scale events crammed into our upcoming two days – including Blacktop Nationals, Craftapalooza, canoe and kayak races, a rowing regatta and the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale. We also expect lots of folks to enjoy Common (presented by Koch Industries) and Randy Newman tonight, plus tomorrow night’s Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ On the River Concert with OK Go and Fiesta del Rio. With the sun shining like it is, people should come prepared to have fun while staying safe. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and take care of each other in the heat and the crowds.” EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 9: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 10: SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: Riverfest takes place through Saturday in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 46th year, the event offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including headliner concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Admission buttons are available now at the festival gates, area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to our official Riverfest sponsors for 2017: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### ‘RIVER MADNESS’ OPENING DAYS FEATURE FUN TRADITIONS, NEW EVENTS WICHITA, Kan., June 4, 2017 – More than 150,000 festival fans soaked up sunshine and danced in in the rain during the opening weekend of Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community celebration. Riverfest continues this week with events for all ages and interests, and star-studded concerts, which are included with a $10 admission button for adults or $5 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “Opening day of the 46th Riverfest was spectacular,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Large crowds applauded a super-creative and fun Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade, then enjoyed the booming traditions of Twilight Pops and the Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks. Saturday’s weather was a bit less cooperative, but it takes more than a few pop-up showers to keep Riverfest fans away. Those who tossed on a rain poncho and headed downtown were rewarded with a high-tech light show, giant puppets, balloons, confetti and a nine-foot tall unicorn thanks to The Flaming Lips and a high-energy family dance party at La Raza Fest.” Saturday also saw the debut of Riverfest Stock Tank Races. Teams decorated and raced circular livestock water troughs down the river and earned $1,100 in prize money and unique trophies crafted by sponsor Sheetmetal Workers Local 29. “Riverfest fans who loved the old bathtub and raft races can celebrate, because this event is awesome,” said Jarvis. “In the last few years, the Cardboard Regatta has taken hold, and the Stock Tank Races are fantastic fun and a great addition to our river events – in this, our River Madness year! Watch for this event to return in 2018.” Another new event, Wichicon, debuted to an enthusiastic audience, with nearly 6,000 shopping for action figures, costume pieces and film collectibles on Saturday and Sunday. Recent additions that are fast becoming beloved traditions included STEAM City, Tech Midwest and Cardboard Regatta. Riverfest’s events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also download the Riverfest mobile app, sponsored by Westar Energy and developed by Clutch Studio, for Apple and Android phones to find concert times, event schedules and ICTreasure, a scavenger hunt-style game to play at the festival. EVENTS FOR MONDAY, June 5: EVENTS FOR TUESDAY, June 6 EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 7: Military Salute Day EVENTS FOR THURSDAY, June 8: Throwback Thursday! SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: The nine-day festival takes place through Saturday in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 46th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now at area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to our official Riverfest sponsors for 2017: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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, Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ###
THE 46TH WICHITA RIVERFEST IS RIVER MADNESS! WICHITA, Kan., June 1, 2017 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, kicks off Friday with nine days of exhilarating concerts and activities designed to unite the community and celebrate Wichita’s rich history and talent. All this fun is available with a $10 admission button for adults. Children under five are admitted free to the festival; buttons for kids ages 6 to 12 are $5. “With so many diverse activities, events and performances, Riverfest truly has something for everyone,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “More than 7,000 volunteers and 250 partners make this happen as part of their gift to our community, and we’re so grateful for that. Everyone can enjoy our shared backyard – downtown – and get out on the river, together with family, friends and neighbors. Wichita can be very proud to host one of the 40 largest outdoor events in the world, which our supporters help make affordable and welcoming to all.” The 46th Riverfest – themed “River Madness!” – features 120 events and attractions, including 19 new events, all outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access a full daily event and concert schedules and festival map on their Apple and Android mobile devices. EVENTS RUNNING DAILY: EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 2: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 3: • Hot Air Balloon Launch, 7 a.m., south of RedGuard Stage EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, June 4: A Salute to Aviation and Manufacturing The nine-day festival takes place June 2-10 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 46th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now at area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 2-10, 2017), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### DONORS SOUGHT TO HELP BRING ALL CITIZENS TO RIVERFEST Celebrations for a Cause program ensures that everyone can join the party WICHITA, Kan., May 23, 2017 – Wichita Festivals, Inc. put out a call today for donations to the Celebrations for a Cause program, which provides buttons to citizens who might not otherwise be able to attend Wichita’s annual community celebration. An additional 350 buttons are needed to close the gap between donated Riverfest buttons and the number of buttons requested. Reintroduced in 2013, Celebrations for a Cause is part of an effort to ensure Riverfest is an inclusive community event. Businesses and individuals can purchase $5 Riverfest buttons to be donated to local nonprofits for distribution to those they serve. “Our generous donors have provided more than 2,000 buttons this year to worthy citizens through local service organizations,” said Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication for WFI. “But we want to be able to meet as many requests for buttons as possible, so we hope donors will continue to give so all can be included.” Donors may give online at wichitariverfest.com or wichitafestivals.com or by calling Wichita Festivals at 267-2817. The price for Celebrations for a Cause buttons is $5, and Wichita Festivals will give the charitable organizations the mix of adult and child buttons that they need. Celebrations for a Cause donors for Riverfest 2017 are Belden Mills, Charles Eby, Lusco Brick & Stone Co., Errol & Suzanne Luginbill, Ron & Renae Ryan, Greg & Sally Shelton, Paul Stephenson, Helene Longhofer, Janice Van Sickle, Carrie Hendrickson, Ron & Lisa McEwen, Bob & Betty Munhall, Safelite AutoGlass, Doris Unruh, Murdock Cos., Inc., Hoidale Co., Inc., Rigby Carey, McCurdy Auction, DJ Fulton, Conco Construction, Phillips Southern Electric, Mechanical Systems, Inc. and Eric & Debra Larson. So far this year, these organizations have requested buttons for distribution: Laughing Feet Performers, Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita, Rise Up for Youth, Inc., Carpenter Place, Survivor Outreach Services – Families of Our Military Fallen, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Wichita YMCA, United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas, Wichita Children’s Home, Catholic Charities, The International Rescue Committee in Wichita, Senior Services, Inc., Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, Gerard House, Wichita Women’s Initiative Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas, Breakthrough Club, Inter-Faith Ministries, The Arc of Sedgwick County, Agape Center of Hope LLC, Making A Difference Shelter, Starkey, McConnell and KS DUI Impact Center. The nine-day festival takes place June 2-10 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 46th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now at area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Barefoot Wine, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 2-10, 2017), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 405, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### NEW RIVERFEST HEADLINER, VIP EVENTS ANNOUNCED ATTENTION MEDIA! May 2, 2017 -- Wichita Festivals today announced that with the addition of Darryl Worley as a country concert headliner on Wednesday, June 7 at the RedGuard Stage, the Riverfest 2017 concert line-up is now complete. Questions? RIVERFEST EARLY-BIRD BUTTONS NOW ON SALE Discounted admission buttons available through May 4 at Cox Solutions Stores; Mobile app, powered by Westar, announced April 11, 2017 – WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, along with partner Cox Communications, today celebrated the sales of discounted Riverfest early-bird buttons and announced details of a new Riverfest mobile app, sponsored by Westar Energy. “Let’s sell some buttons!” said Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIV Wendy Johnson as she joined Mayor Jeff Longwell in purchasing buttons for the largest community event in Kansas. Riverfest 2017 will take place June 2-10 in and around the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. “We strive to make Riverfest accessible to everyone, regardless of their interests or resources,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of WFI. “Discounted pricing makes it easier for everyone to join the party, and our new mobile app will help our attendees find where and when their favorite events take place, and even inspire them to explore aspects of the festival they’ve never experienced before.” During the early-bird sales period, April 10-May 4, buttons are available at an early bird discount price of $7 for adults and $3 for children at Cox Solutions stores: 2240 N. Rock Road, 446 S. Ridge Road and 2556 N. Maize at New Market Square in Wichita; and 1636 N. Rock Road in Derby. Starting May 5, full-price buttons ($10 for adults and $5 for children) will be available at major button retailors. Admission for kids five and younger is free. “Cox is committed to supporting our local communities, and celebrating partnerships just like this one with Wichita Riverfest,” said Mark Greatrex, executive vice president, chief marketing and sales officer for Cox Communications. “Our employees take great pride in serving the communities where they live and work.” Those present enjoyed a preview of the colorful mobile app, designed to coordinate with Riverfest 2017’s official artwork. The app, developed by Clutch Studios, will provide attendees with maps, event and concert schedules, notifications of festival updates, and even a scavenger hunt game that encourages Riverfest fans to explore the festival and identify locations with a series of clues. “This handy and fun app will energize the festival experience for attendees,” said Ebony Clemons, Community Relations Manager for Westar Energy. “We are excited to support this upgrade in technology for one of Kansas’ most beloved events.” The Riverfest Mobile App will be available to download for iPhone and Android, starting later this month. Riverfest 2017 Official Sponsors include: Barefoot Wine, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 2-10, 2017), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected]tivals.com. ###
RIVERFEST HOSTS MAJOR EVENT TO SHOWCASE, BENEFIT STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS First-ever event includes e2e FuturEpreneurship Expo at Wichita Boathouse, Bonus Randy Newman Concert April 7, 2017 – WICHITA, Kan . – Wichita’s growing array of entrepreneurship education programs will be showcased June 9 at Riverfest at the first-ever e2e FuturEpreneurship Expo and a new headliner concert with Randy Newman, sponsored by the Grumpy Old Men and Leslie Rudd Investment Co./Standard Beverage Corporation. ### WENDY JOHNSON TO SERVE AS ADMIRAL WINDWAGON SMITH XLIV March 8, 2017 — WICHITA, Kan.— During a press conference today at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview , Wichita Festivals, Inc. revealed Wendy Johnson as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIV, ambassador of Riverfest 2017. “Once again, we’ve got an Admiral that is ‘all in’ for Wichita and Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “Wendy has filled a million roles, visible and behind the scenes, to make what we do a huge, wonderful gift to this community, and I look forward to seeing her serve as the festival’s ambassador and representative of her fellow volunteers.” Wendy Johnson, division director of marketing and communications for the Wichita Public Schools, grew up in Wichita and graduated from Wichita High School East. The recipient of Wichita Festivals’ Galaxy Award in 2013 recognizing more than 20 years of outstanding volunteer service, Johnson served on the WFI Board of Directors for six years and was its chair in 2006. She has been a proud member of the WFI operations committee since 2003, including serving as Riverfest general chairperson (lead volunteer) in 2011. “When I was a kid rolling down the hillside in A. Price Woodard Park during Riverfest, I never thought I would experience this amazing community event as Admiral Windwagon Smith,” said Johnson. “I am honored to represent more than 7,000 dedicated volunteers, and I hope to help Wichita families build their own life-long memories of Riverfest.” The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith was established in 1974, when John Bell first wore the red coat and represented the third Riverfest, then known as Wichitennial River Festival. Johnson is the 44th Admiral and the second woman. The first was Linda Davidson, Admiral Windwagon Smith XXVI, in 1999. Johnson’s commitment to the community includes service to organizations such as Tallgrass Film Association, Girls on the Run, Boy Scouts of America Quivira Council and the American Red Cross. She has received numerous honors for her volunteer and professional achievements including the Alumni Award for Outstanding Public Service from the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs at WSU, Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas School Public Relations Association and Excellence in Public Service Award from the DeVore Foundation. As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2017, Johnson will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, June 2-10. She will be assisted by the 2017 Prairie Schooner Mates, who were also present at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth representatives for Riverfest. • More than 120 events with many that are new to Riverfest, including Wichicon, Save A Life: Hands-Only CPR Training; New Advanced Learning Library (a virtual tour of the new Wichita Public Library), The Crate Escape, Riverfest Health Fair, Kids Days, Tech Midwest, 1 Million Cups, Startup Grind, and many others. Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates: New Riverfest partners include: Active Age, Aero Plains Brewery, American Exteriors, BNSF, CheckNSafe Lockers, Credit Union of America, Fleet Feet, Girl Scouts of the Heartland, Metro PCS, Papa John’s Pizza, Radio Kansas, Sheetmetal Workers Union, Local 29, Smithfield Foods, Standard Beverage, Tallgrass Country Club, UCI, Volunteer Kansas, WATC, Wichita Brewing Company, and Wichita Public Library Foundation. Riverfest 2017 Official Sponsors include: Barefoot Wine, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corp., 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 (June 2-10, 2017), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST 2017 CONCERT LINE-UP ANNOUNCED Nine days of concerts and more than one hundred events are all free with a Riverfest button March 1, 2017 – WICHITA, Kan . – Riverfest 2017’s concert headliners include four Grammy Award winners, an Academy Award recipient, a Golden Globe winner and a Kennedy Center Honoree. These entertainers have a combined 500 million-plus YouTube views, 250 years of performance experience and more than 60 appearances in film and television, ranging from major motion pictures to Sesame Street. Wichita Festivals, Inc., along with partner radio stations, announced the headliners today, emphasizing that all Riverfest concerts are included in the price of a festival admission button. “Huge entertainment value. Great community event,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Wichita Festivals’ President and CEO. “That’s what you get, thanks to our many Riverfest sponsors and partners. Nowhere else can you attend nine days of high-caliber, diverse performances for such an accessible price.” Riverfest’s entertainment kicks off Friday, June 2 with Riverfest Corporate Hosts presenting the traditional Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. That Kennedy Plaza concert follows the Safelite® AutoGlass Sundown Parade, while the Chroma Paint Party – a colorful combo of paint cannons, a light show and EDM provided by a team of DJs – will take place in the RedGuard Stage area. The evening will end with the Textron Aviation Opening Night Fireworks. On Saturday, June 3, California indie rock nine-piece band Foxygen, will open for cult favorites Flaming Lips on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Prolific alternative music legends, the Lips have released fourteen studio albums, one soundtrack, fifteen singles, and fifteen EPs. The Oklahoma City-based rockers – hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as a “must-see concert” – have won three Grammy Awards since releasing their first album in 1983. La Raza Fest will bring a Latin-flavored dance party to the RedGuard Stage area that night. Sunday, June 4 LoCash will perform on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Known as LoCash Cowboys when they released the feel-good song, “Here Comes Summer,” the duo reached number two on the Billboard Country Charts with hit single, “I Love This Life,” and are enjoying continued success with their current release, “I Know Somebody.” Also that evening, the RedGuard Stage will play host to Magic Giant from Los Angeles, and regional favorites, Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy. Gospelfest welcomes Stellar Award winner and Dove Award nominee Jonathan Nelson to the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Monday, June 5 and will include performances by local groups and choir members. The event is sponsored by Cox Business, Spirit AeroSystems and Westar Energy. The driving pop punk of Less Than Jake will keep everyone moving at the Wet & Wild Dance Party Wednesday, June 7 on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Opening act The Toasters will bring old-school, NYC ska to the party. Meanwhile, the Wichita Wagonmasters will dish up free ice cream at the Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social. Brett Young, known for his West-Coast-meets-Southern “Caliville” country style, will play the RedGuard Stage that night, co-sponsored by Coleman Company and Aero Plains Brewery. Mountain Deer Revival will open. CNH Industrial Buckaroo/Buckarette Rodeo will take place in Cox Kids Corner. Soul, R&B and Gospel superstar Mavis Staples, a two-time Grammy winner who was recognized for lifetime achievement at the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2016 and will be inducted this spring into the Blues Hall of Fame, will perform on the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Thursday, June 8. The Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest will be offering a taste of New Orleans, and roots rocker J.D. McPherson will be the opening act. The closing celebration of Riverfest 2017 kicks off at Kennedy Plaza on Saturday, June 10 with Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River starring OK Go. Famous for their creative music videos, these Grammy winners are perhaps best known for “Here It Goes Again,” a video that has received more than 50 million views on YouTube. Experimental pop duo Lewis Del Mar will also perform. Fiesta del Rio, featuring a variety of Hispanic bands, will take place on the RedGuard Stage that night and is sponsored by Radio Lobo and Rusty Eck Ford. The Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale will close the festival with a bang following the concerts. A number of local and regional acts also will perform at Riverfest 2017, including DJ Carbon, Sunshine Trucking, The Travel Guide, Mountain Deer Revival, Herd of the Huntress, Sloan Moon, Keen Kutter, Marrque Nunley and many others. In addition to the Kennedy Plaza and RedGuard stages, Ackerman’s Backyard will play host to a variety of DJs – and sounds – each night of the festival. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $10, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $5. Buttons are available at an early bird discount price of $7 for adults and $3 for children via preorder at SelectASeat.com, and in person April 10-May 4 at Cox Solutions stores: 2240 N. Rock Road, 446 S. Ridge Road and 2556 N. Maize at New Market Square in Wichita; and 1636 N. Rock Road in Derby. Full-price buttons will be available at major button retailors (Dillons and QuikTrip) beginning May 5. Media partners for Riverfest 2017 include 104.5 The Fox, Active Age, Alt 107.3, Ashby Street Outdoor, B98FM, The Bull, The Buzz, Channel 963, The Community Voice, Cox Communications, East Wichita News, FOX Kansas, Great Plains TV, Intake Studios, KAKEland, KCTU, KEYN, KFDI, KFH, KGSO, KMUW, KNSS, KQAM, KSN, KWCH, La Raza, Liberty Press, POWER 93.5, Radio Kansas, Radio Lobo, Splurge!, T95, VIP Wichita, VYPE, West Side Story, Wichita Eagle/Kansas.com, Wichita magazine, and WSU Sunflower. Riverfest 2017 Official Sponsors include: Barefoot Wine, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Standard Beverage Corporation, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 2-10, 2017), Wichita Vortex Music Festival (August 4-5, 2017), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 8, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### ‘RIVER MADNESS’ DRIVES ARTISTS TO DESIGN WINNING POSTER Art-filled presentation at Emprise Bank includes announcement of the Riverfest 2017 Artist-in-Residence January 27, 2017—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. unveiled the signature artwork for the 46th Riverfest, introduced the team of artists who designed it and offered a preview of Riverfest 2017 at a press event today at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the artwork contest.
### Strong Attendance, Increased Support Mean a Successful Year for Wichita Festivals Not-for-profit that produces Riverfest, Autumn & Art recaps 2016’s successes ### RIVERFEST 2017 NEEDS YOU! Open now: Emprise Bank Poster-Art Contest and calls for festival entertainers, event organizers and food vendors October 12, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today invited citizens to take part in the biggest event in Kansas – Riverfest. Planning season for Riverfest 2017 has officially begun with the release of the Call for Entries for the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest sponsored by Emprise Bank, as well as applications for food vendors, entertainers and event organizers. “Riverfest is a team effort,” said Ann Keefer, vice president of program development for WFI. “And the citizens of Wichita make up that team. No matter what position you play, so to speak, whether you’re a musician or other performer; a hobbyist or company who wants to create an event; a vendor with fun and unique food products; or an artist who can tell the story of Riverfest with a creative poster design, we need you to help build a winning festival.” Designs are sought for Riverfest 2017 based on the theme, “River Madness!” The winning artist will receive a $3,500 cash prize. All artists 18 or older are invited to participate and no fee is required to enter. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 to be eligible. “It’s so exciting to see the wide variety of ways that artists and designers interpret the festival,” said Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication at WFI. “Selecting a winner is always a wonderful challenge for the judging team, because so many talented people submit designs.” The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2017 poster, buttons, official T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in promotional campaigns for the nine-day annual celebration, scheduled for June 2-10 in downtown Wichita. Original Wichitennial and Wichita River Festival designs dating back to 1970 were created by local artists. Conducted periodically throughout the 46-year history of the festival, the annual contest was reestablished by popular demand in 2011. Release of the artwork is much anticipated and collectors value the pins, posters and buttons based on the artwork. Local and regional entertainers also have an important place in Riverfest history. While national headline acts are much anticipated, favorite area bands and other performers have always been fundamental to the diverse flavor of Riverfest. Plus, iconic Riverfest events such as the bathtub races have sprung from the minds of local hobbyists and civic groups. Those interested in contributing their talents to Riverfest can find New Event, Entertainment, and Food Vendor applications, as well as the Poster & Button Artwork Contest rules and application at WichitaRiverfest.com. 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 (June 2-10, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 15-17, 2017). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] WICHITA FESTIVALS ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS Oct. 4, 2016 – WICHITA, Kan. – New officers and directors began terms this week for Wichita Festivals, Inc., a non-profit that enhances Wichita’s quality of life through large-scale events, including Riverfest and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. Don Grant of Carey, Thomas, Hoover and Breault will chair the organization’s board for the 2016-2017 board year. D.J. Fulton of Grene Vision Group is chair-elect. The board secretary is Capt. Gavin Seiler of Wichita Police Department. Alan Howarter, of Vess Oil Corporation, is the organization’s treasurer. Esther Headley, of The Research Partnership, is the board’s immediate past chair. The officers and directors were elected at the Wichita Festivals, Inc. annual meeting on Sept. 27. Retiring from the Wichita Festivals board were Prisca Barnes, Storytime Village; and Brock Beren, Beren Companies. Other members of the board include Craig Burns of Security 1st Title Company; Rigby Carey of Carey, Thomas, Hoover and Breault; Chris Goebel of Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc.; Teketa Harding of Capitol Federal Savings Bank; Jennifer Magaña of the City of Wichita; Ron Ryan; Denise Sherman of Southwestern College Professional Studies; Van Williams of the City of Wichita; and Carol E. Wilson, accountant. 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. Riverfest (June 2-10, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (Sept. 15-17, 2017). ### ATTENDANCE, SALES, SUPPORT AND SAFETY MAKE RIVERFEST 2016 A SUCCESS July 26, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today confirmed that an increase in overall attendance, button sales and food and beverage sales – combined with an exceptionally strong safety record, increased community support and a leap in volunteer numbers – have ranked Riverfest 2016 as one of the most successful for the organization in recent years. Crowds totaling 455,000 attended the 45th Riverfest June 3-11, up from 410,000 in 2015. More than 101,000 admission buttons were sold, up from 97,000 for last year’s festival. During the early-bird sales period ending May 6, more than 25,000 adult and child buttons were sold, with adult buttons at the discount price of $7. Food and beverage sales were also up, with an increase of seventeen percent over 2015. As reported in June, According to the Wichita Police Department, there were only five arrests on or near the festival grounds, a new record for the festival and a result of securely gating the event. This safe and inviting environment, along with cooperative weather and new events designed to draw a wider variety of attendees, contributed to the attendance and sales increases. Community support for the festival continued to rise as well. Nearly 250 partners contributed $850,000 in cash sponsorships plus a similar amount of in-kind support. Cash sponsorships are up thirteen percent since 2015 and a total of 48 percent since 2012. Thirty-two donors supported the Riverfest Corporate Host program – a way for small and medium-sized companies to support large-scale festival activities – with a total of $41,000 in donations that covered the cost of the opening-night Twilight Pops concert. Celebrations for a Cause, an initiative to ensure that those in need are able to attend Riverfest, provided 2,405 buttons to 29 area non-profit charitable organizations that distributed them to those they serve, thanks to leading donors Greene Vision Group, King Arthur Flour, Rotary Club of East Wichita, Ron Ryan and Safelite AutoGlass. Volunteer involvement continued to grow, with more than 7,000 people donating more than 35,000 hours of time before, during and after the festival, including 702 new volunteers and volunteer groups from 140 companies and organizations. “Coming from the volunteer ranks myself, the participation by the thousands of volunteers at this year’s festival was inspiring,” said Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIII, Steve Dillard. “It was an honor to represent so many dedicated and caring volunteers who continue to make this festival possible and like no other.” The growth of arts and culture-focused programs at Riverfest continued this year with the installation of “Sun Sails,” by artist Rachel B. Hayes. This colorful fabric-art piece will re-appear alongside the river, south of the Hyatt Regency, for future Riverfests and other city events. The 2016 Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade expanded to 116 entries that were packed with “Party in ICT” and Wichita flag-inspired creativity and enjoyed by a crowd of more than 40,000 on opening night. Headliner concerts continued to be a major draw, with 25,000 fans gathering for Elle King, presented by Koch Industries; 20,000 in attendance at the Violent Femmes concert; and 19,000 at the Coleman Country Concert with co-headliners Brothers Osborne and A Thousand Horses. Two Hispanic-themed concerts on Saturday, June 4 and Saturday, June 11 drew crowds of 10,000 and 17,000, respectively. The largest concert crowd of the festival – 35,000 fans – gathered on closing night for the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River with The Roots, and 60,000 enjoyed that night’s Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale. The highest-attended festival days were Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 (both 75,000) and Saturday, June 11 (70,000). New events in 2016 included Blacktop Nationals Presented by Midwest Ford Dealers, previously a stand-alone event that was incorporated into Riverfest 2016, and Riverfest Hackathon with support from the Knight Foundation. STEAM City was a focal point for Riverfest’s day-long Salute to Aviation and Manufacturing on Sunday, June 5. “Our community continues to showcase a fantastic spirit of hospitality and unity when it comes to supporting Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Thousands of dedicated volunteers and hundreds of sponsors and partners roll out the red carpet, and diverse attendees came out, were on their best behavior, and enjoyed the concerts, river activities and other events together with their friends, neighbors and families. “With everyone’s help, in just nine days each summer, we energize downtown, bring people together, and help add $25 to $30 million to our local economy,” said Jarvis. “The great participation we saw this year will allow us to make our community’s signature event even better in 2017.” Riverfest 2017 is scheduled for June 2-10. Riverfest 2016 Official Sponsors include Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Prairieland Partners, RedGuard Site Box Storage, Spot’s Party Bus, Van Horn Promotion and 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 (June 2-10, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016).
RIVERFEST SEES CONTINUED RISE IN ATTENDENCE, SPONSORSHIPS, SALES Early numbers and safety, security record very positive; button sales and complete financial results still being calculated June 15, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. reported today Riverfest 2016 had total attendance of 455,000 and the festival had continued improvement in its safety and security record, sponsorship support and volunteerism. “While some figures are not clear yet, our attendance and food sales were great, we got amazing support from growing numbers of volunteers and sponsorship contributions are up,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization that produces Riverfest. “In addition, thanks to great work by our police and private-security partners, we achieved an excellent safety and security record. We had exciting new events and partnerships – such as the Blacktop Nationals car show and a Habitat for Humanity blitz build right on site! Overall, we were excited to have so many festivalgoers engage in our events and enjoy the entertainment, all while behaving respectfully and staying safe in the sun and heat,” Jarvis said. Here are Riverfest 2016 results in to date: The 45th Riverfest took place June 3-11 and offered a wide range of entertainment for all ages. 2016 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, Prairieland Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting, Metro Courier, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 2-10, 2017) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### FINAL RIVERFEST DAYS PACKED WITH RIVER EVENTS, MUSIC, FAMILY FUN Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River, Fiesta del Rio and Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale to close week of fun WICHITA, Kan., June 9, 2016 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, wraps up Saturday with a huge fireworks display, major concerts, a car show, great river events, family activities, contests and competitions, all free with a $10 admission button for adults or $3 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “So far, we’ve had a fantastic Riverfest. Crowds have been steady and well-behaved, and the events have engaged people young and old, including Wichita neighbors and visitors from surrounding areas and states,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We hit 250,000 attendees in the first five days, with big events – from Blacktop Nationals to the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale – still ahead of us. We also expect lots of folks to enjoy concerts like Elle King, who is being presented by Koch Industries Friday night, and the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ On the River Concert with The Roots. All we ask is that people come prepared to not only have fun but be safe. The sun is great, but everyone needs to be smart: stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, and take care of each other in the heat and the crowds.” EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 10: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 11:
The 45th Riverfest takes place through June 11th and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons and QuikTrip stores, the INTRUST Bank Arena box office and other local retailers. 2016 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, Prairieland Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting, Metro Courier, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing, and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3rd – June 11th, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16th – 18th, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### SUNNY, BUSY FIRST WEEKEND SETS UP WEEKDAY FUN AT RIVERFEST 2016 WICHITA, Kan., June 6, 2016 – Riverfest welcomed nearly 200,000 attendees in its first three days, as sunshine and dozens of events helped festivalgoers enjoy Kansas’ largest community celebration. Riverfest continues this week with more engaging events and concerts for all tastes, free with a $10 admission button for adults or $3 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “Great weather and well-behaved crowds made Riverfest’s first three days spectacular,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “They cheered at our ‘Party in ICT’-themed parade, dove into STEAM City and Cox Kids Corner activities, heard great concerts, and enjoyed our river. Participatory events were huge, such as the Kansas Health Foundation River Run, dodgeball and the Cardboard Regatta. And more than 1,000 people took a Wagonmasters’ River Tour – a weekend record!” “We look forward to more beautiful days, classic and new festival events, and performances that appeal to people of all ages and interests,” said Jarvis. “And remember, come to Riverfest prepared to have fun but also be safe – bring your sunscreen, drink lots of liquids and keep an eye on your friends and family members. We want a great event, and that starts with being safe!” Riverfest’s events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access a full daily event schedule on their mobile devices. EVENTS FOR MONDAY, June 6: EVENTS FOR TUESDAY, June 7: Military Salute Day EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 8: EVENTS FOR THURSDAY, June 9: Throwback Thursday! SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: The 45th Riverfest takes place Friday, June 3rd through June 11th and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. 2016 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, PrairieLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting, Metro Courier, Visit Wichita and Van Horn Promotion and Marketing. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3rd – June 11th, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16th – 18th, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST CELEBRATES 20th GOSPELFEST Local Performers Join Headliners Zacardi Cortez, Kierra Sheard for Inspiring Evening WICHITA, Kan., June 4, 2016 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, hosts its highly anticipated Gospelfest event Monday evening, featuring Houston-based gospel musician and Christian R&B artist Zacardi Cortez and Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning gospel singer and radio host Kierra Sheard. Gospelfest, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Riverfest’s Kennedy Plaza stage, brings together local musicians, choirs, performing groups and national talent for an inspiring evening of celebration. Sheard, from Detroit, Mich., saw her latest full-length album, “Graceland,” hit #1 on the Top Gospel charts. In 2013 Sheard was nominated for the Stellar Awards Artist of the Year. In 2009 she performed on the Grammy-winning track “God In Me” with the group Mary Mary. The artist is featured on Tasha Cobb’s “Put a Praise On It,” currently number two on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. With family roots in the gospel scene, Sheard began her career at seventeen with her album, “I Owe You.” Her talent has since diverged into other venues such as clothing design, youth activism, reality television and the part of Litha in the 2010 Christian film, “Preacher’s Kid.” With a full-bodied voice and a funky ‘80s throwback attitude, gospel singer Zacardi Cortez was a member of James Fortune’s FIYA project before launching his solo career in 2012 with “The Introduction.” Having grown up touring the gospel circuit with the Cortez Family, Zacardi was mentored on the road by John P. Kee. After an appearance on Kee’s 2005 release, “Live at the Fellowship,” Cortez joined FIYA, singing lead on their 2007 album, “The Transformation,” and its Top 20 single, “The Blood.” With Cortez up-front, FIYA would top the gospel charts in 2010 with the single “I Believe.” “We’re so pleased to host the 20th Gospelfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “So many organizations and people have made this event inspiring and amazing over the years, and it’s appropriate to celebrate and salute that this year. We are proud to showcase exceptional talent – not only Mr. Cortez and Ms. Sheard, but also every local musician and performer gracing our stage. We hope the whole community comes out for this special night.” The Gospelfest Community Choir – organized by Cameo Profit, music director for St. Mark Cathedral Church of God In Christ – will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m. Presenting sponsors for the event include Spirit AeroSystems, Westar Energy and Cox Business. Other event sponsors include the Greater Wichita Ministerial League, HealthCore Clinic, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and other area churches and service organizations. Promotional partners KMUW, Q92 The Beat, Great Plains TV and The Community Voice have also helped make both Gospel enthusiasts and all community members aware of the event. Follow the Riverfest Gospelfest page on Facebook. The 2016 Gospelfest planning committee included Profit; Pastor Ronda Kingwood of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church; Kaye Monk-Morgan; Barnes; Dr. Rachel Norwood; and Wichita Festivals staff members. Additional support for the 2016 event came from Kingdom Harvest, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, Real Men Real Heroes, Tabernacle Bible - the Church without Walls, Ebony S. Clemons Piano Studio, Greater Wichita Pan-Hellenic Council, Beta Kappa Omega chapter of AKA Sorority, Gamma Chi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Ro Sorority, Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Darren and LaWanda Fields and Drs. Evies & Sharon Cranford. The 45th Riverfest takes place Friday, June 3rd through June 11th and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons and QuikTrip stores, the INTRUST Bank Arena box office and other local retailers. 2016 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, PrairieLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting, Metro Courier, Van Horn Promotion and Marketing and Visit Wichita. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3rd – June 11th, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16th – 18th, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### THE 45TH WICHITA RIVERFEST IS A PARTY IN ICT! WICHITA, Kan., June 2, 2016 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, kicks off Friday with nine days of exhilarating concerts and activities designed to unite the community and celebrate Wichita’s rich history and talent. All this fun is available with a $10 admission button for adults. Children under five are admitted free to the festival; buttons for kids ages 6 to 12 are $3. “With more than 100 diverse activities, events and performances, Riverfest truly has something for everyone,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Hang out with your friends and neighbors along the river or at the two large concert stages, bring the kids or grandkids down to Cox Kids Corner, grab great festival treats at the Food Court, or jump into one of our many participatory events. No matter what you do, you’ll be enjoying the great hospitality of our volunteers and benefiting from the support we get from nearly 250 sponsors, which helps us throw one of the top 50 outdoor events in the world but keep it affordable and welcoming to all.” The 45th Riverfest – themed “Party in ICT” – features 115 events and attractions, including 30 new events, all outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access a full daily event schedule and festival map on their mobile devices. EVENTS RUNNING DAILY: EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, June 3:
• Hot Air Balloon Launch, 6 a.m., south of RedGuard Stage, sponsored by Textron Aviation • ReStore Upcycle Challenge Kick-Off, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wichita Habitat for Humanity Build/RedGuard Stage Area
-more-
About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3 – June 11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16th – 18th, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### WICHITA FESTIVALS SEEKS DONORS TO HELP BRING EVERYONE TO RIVERFEST WICHITA, Kan., May 28, 2016 – Wichita Festivals put out a call today for donations to the Celebrations for a Cause program, which provides buttons to citizens who might not otherwise be able to attend Wichita’s annual community celebration. Reintroduced in 2013, Celebrations for a Cause is part of an effort to ensure Riverfest is an inclusive community event. Businesses and individuals can purchase $5 Riverfest buttons to be donated to local nonprofits for distribution to those they serve. “We’ve had tremendous support from donors this year,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “But the need has grown and we want to be able to provide buttons to as many requesting organizations as possible.” Donors may give online at wichitariverfest.com or wichitafestivals.com or by calling Wichita Festivals at 267-2817. The price for Celebrations for a Cause buttons is $5, and Wichita Festivals will give the charitable organizations the mix of adult and child buttons that they need. Celebrations for a Cause leading donors for Riverfest 2016 are Grene Vision Group, King Arthur Flour, Rotary Club of East Wichita, Ron Ryan and Safelite AutoGlass. Additional donors include Belden Mills, Belford Electric, Rigby Carey, CNH Industrial, Cold Control Refrigeration Inc., Dan Demott, DES Employment Group, Tom Devlin, Steve & Gena Dillard, Disciples Woman Hillside Christian Church, Great Harvest Bread Co., Bryan Green, Ben Grisanore, Legend Senior Living, Mary Beth Jarvis, Mechanical Systems, Inc., Murdock Companies, Shine Salon, SJCF Architecture, West Hills Capital, Wichita Federal Credit Union, Wichita Vet Center and Wells Fargo Advisors. So far this year, these organizations have received buttons for distribution: The Arc of Sedgwick County, Boys & Girls Club of South Central Kansas, Breakthrough Club, Catholic Charities Inc. - Diocese of Wichita, Carpenter Place, Inc., Episcopal Social Services, Inc., Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc., Greater Wichita YMCA, Heartspring, The International Rescue Committee in Wichita, Kansas Army National Guard, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters , Kansas DUI Impact Center, KETCH, McConnell Air Force Base, Mental Health Association, Progressive Baptist Church, Rainbows United, Rise Up for Youth, Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities of Wichita, Senior Services, Inc. of Wichita, Starkey, Survivor Outreach Services - Families of Our Military Fallen, Trust Women, United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas, Wichita Children's Home and Youth Horizons. The nine-day festival takes place June 3-11 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 45th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, contests, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now at area QuikTrip and Dillons locations, INTRUST Bank Arena box office and Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Buttons are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Visit Wichita and Van Horn Promotion & Marketing. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### MERITRUST TOT TROT 2016 ARTWORK COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED May 6, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita Festivals, Inc. (WFI), parent organization of Riverfest, announced the winner of the Meritrust Tot Trot Artwork Competition today at an assembly held at Seltzer Elementary School. Second grader Carlie Hernandez from Seltzer was named overall winner of the competition and was also the recipient of the 2nd Grade 1st Place award. Nearly 2,000 contest entries were received from Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders representing nine area public and parochial schools. Carlie’s design will be featured on the T-shirt provided to each Meritrust Tot Trot entrant. The Meritrust Tot Trot is a component of the Kansas Health Foundation River Run, a signature event of Riverfest. Carlie received two $50 gift certificates as well as a framed t-shirt of her winning design. Art instructor Marcia Scurfield received a $100 gift certificate as well as a framed T-shirt. Each of Carlie’s classmates received a complimentary Meritrust Tot Trot entry. Colvin Elementary won a $400 prize for most entries in the competition (Amy Lawson/Shannon Bohm). Second place winner was Seltzer Elementary (Marcia Scurfield), and third place went to St. Francis of Assisi (Lisa Lang). Individual winners in each grade division also win prizes; 1st place winners won a $50 gift certificate, 2nd place winners received a $25 gift certificate, and 3rd place winners received a $10 gift certificate. Division competition winners are as follows: 2nd Grade 1st Grade Kindergarten Tot Trot, an official Riverfest event, is sponsored by Meritrust Credit Union. The event is a fun run for children aged two to seven, where everyone who crosses the finish line receives a medallion. The Meritrust Tot Trot will begin at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 4 on the Maple Street Bridge in downtown Wichita. Registrants receive an event T-shirt and Riverfest button. Registration is currently taking place online at RiverRunWichita.com and is available onsite the day of the event. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus, Van Horn Promotion & Marketing and Visit Wichita.
### DILLARD REVEALED AS ADMIRAL WINDWAGON SMITH XLIII, AMBASSADOR FOR RIVERFEST 2016 Early-bird discount buttons go on sale at Cox Solutions Stores April 11 March 9, 2016 — WICHITA, Kan.— During a press conference today at the Ruffin Building, Wichita Festivals, Inc. announced Steve Dillard as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLIII, ambassador of Riverfest 2016. Dillard, president and a co-owner of Pickrell Drilling Company, Inc., has been actively involved with Riverfest and Wichita Festivals for 22 years. He was a member of the WFI Board of Directors and presided as chair during the 2004-05 season. Dillard joined the Operations Committee in 2006 and has contributed his talents in a number of areas, including button sales, food service, River Run, and in recent years, the Safelite AutoGlass Sundown Parade. A member of the Wichita Wagonmasters since 1994, he has served as Captain, as well as in many other roles for the organization. “I am honored and humbled to be selected as this year’s Admiral,” Dillard said. “It’s a tremendous privilege to be chosen. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the festival and our community, and to the challenge of living up to the example set by so many excellent Admirals who have preceded me.” As the official ambassador of Riverfest 2016, Dillard will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, June 6-11. He will be assisted by the 2016 Prairie Schooner Mates, who were also present at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth ambassadors for Riverfest. Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates: New Riverfest partners include: AARP of Kansas, Accuweather, Alenco, AMETEK, Barefoot Wines, Butler Community College, Cargill, Convergys, Fidelity Bank, Kansas Strong, KIOGA, The Knight Foundation, McDonald’s Mid-KS Co-op, Mennonite Press, New Belgium Brewing, SNT Media, SPEEA, Suburban Landscape, VA Outreach Center, White Castle, The Wichita Eagle and Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### CONCERT HEADLINERS RELEASED FOR RIVERFEST 2016 Nine days of concerts and more than one hundred events are all free with a Riverfest button February 17, 2016 – WICHITA, Kan . – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today announced Riverfest concert headliners, a line-up covering a wide variety of genres and featuring many popular national acts festivalgoers can enjoy just for the price of a Riverfest button. “Talk about bang for your buck!” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Wichita Festivals’ President and CEO. “We are amazed and proud that thanks to our many festival sponsors and partners, we can present nine days of high-caliber, diverse entertainment for such an accessible price.” Tradition rules on Friday, June 3 when the Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra will perform on the Kennedy Plaza Stage, directly following the Safelite™ AutoGlass Sundown Parade. Los Angeles blues-rockers Andy Frasco & The U.N. will perform on the RedGuard Stage, southeast of the Hyatt Regency Wichita. On Saturday, June 4, the Meat Puppets, themselves old school alternative rock legends, will open for the original Violent Femmes on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. An alternative music powerhouse, the band has released eight studio albums and fifteen singles. Their self-titled first album, which featured “Blister in the Sun” and “Kiss Off” among many other hit singles, is certified platinum. The Coleman Country Concert is scheduled for Sunday, June 5, and co-stars A Thousand Horses and Brothers Osborne on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Those who prefer rock or punk over country can mosh to Flag, featuring original members of Black Flag and the Descendents. The twentieth Gospelfest, with duel headliners, Grammy Award-winner Tasha Cobb and the dynamic Zacardi Cortez, will take place Monday, June 6 and will include performances by local groups and choir members on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. The high-energy and versatile Brave Combo, from Denton, Texas, will perform on the RedGuard Stage that evening. The popular “Festival of Broadway” will return to Kennedy Plaza on Tuesday, June 7, featuring performances by Music Theatre Wichita, Roxy’s Downtown and Mosley Street Melodrama. On the RedGuard Stage, Wichita’s own, internationally-known R&B artist Rudy Love will play with The Love Family. New Jersey trio Naughty By Nature will bring on the classic hip-hop dance grooves on Wednesday, June 8 at Kennedy Plaza. The award-winning band who first hit it big in 1991 with “O.P.P.” will keep this multi-generational dance party moving. At the RedGuard Stage, Moreland & Arbuckle will bring their special brand of rocking roots-blues. At the Indie Showcase on June 9, The Suffers will open for Reel Big Fish, a rock-fueled, Caribbean-inspired ska band, on Kennedy Plaza. Elle King, presented by Koch Industries, will perform on the Kennedy Plaza Stage on Friday, June 10. King was nominated for two Grammy awards for her smash hit, “Ex’s & Oh’s.” Fishbone will open for King. On the RedGuard Stage, William Clark Green and Rob Baird will play Red Dirt country music. The finale of Riverfest 2016 kicks off at Kennedy Plaza on Saturday, June 11 with Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River starring The Roots, the Grammy-winning house band for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Fiesta del Rio will take place on the RedGuard Stage that night. The Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale will close the festival with a bang following the concerts. A number of local and regional acts also will perform at Riverfest 2016, including O’Phil, DJ Carbon, Big Red Horse, Kill Vargas, Divorce Corpse, Candy Lords, Haymakers, A Squared, and many others. In addition to the Kennedy Plaza and RedGuard stages, the Food Court Stage will be activated throughout the festival. All local and regional acts will be announced via social media on March 30. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $10, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $3. Adult buttons are available at an early bird discount price of $7 via preorder at SelectASeat.com, and in person April 11-May 5 at Cox Solutions stores: 2240 N. Rock Road, 446 S. Ridge Road and 2556 N. Maize at New Market Square in Wichita; 1636 N. Rock Road in Derby; 101 E. 12th Avenue in El Dorado and 417 N. Windward in Newton. Full-price buttons will be available at major button retailors (Dillons and QuikTrip) beginning May 6. Media partners for Riverfest 2016 include 104.5 The Fox, Alt 107.3, B98FM, BOB FM, The Bull, The Buzz, Channel 963, Ashby Street Outdoor, The Community Voice, FOX Kansas, Great Plains TV, Hank, Intake Studios, KAKEland, KEYN, KFDI, KFH, KGSO, KMUW, KNSS, KQAM, KSN, KWCH, La Raza, Liberty Press, POWER 93.5, Q92 The Beat, Radio Lobo, Splurge!, T95, Visit Wichita and Wichita magazine. Riverfest 2016 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox and Spot’s Party Bus. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### RIVERFEST ARTWORK INSPIRES CITIZENS TO ‘PARTY IN ICT!’ Iconic button and poster artwork unveiled; 45th festival to include new, innovative events January 29, 2016—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. today revealed the iconic artwork for the 45th Riverfest and offered a sneak peek into the upcoming festival at a press event at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the artwork contest. Wichita-based artist Chris Parks won this year’s button and poster artwork competition with his interpretation of the Wichita flag to capture the theme of the June 3-11 event, “Party in ICT!” “Chris’s design is a clever tribute to our community’s popular flag,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “His poster and buttons will be a great way to show civic pride and to convey that we are all ready to ‘Party in ICT!’” The red, white and blue design with subtle icons that reflect the diverse attractions of Riverfest will adorn advertisements and merchandise and serve as an invitation to the largest community celebration in the state of Kansas: Riverfest 2016, June 3-11. A simplified version of the poster artwork will be featured on the adult button. The child’s button, for kids 6-12, will feature a sunny, smiling character. “We are keeping prices affordable so everyone can join in Wichita’s most unifying and inclusive event,” said Jarvis. “At $10 our adult button – and the nine-days of concerts and fun that come with it – is a tremendous deal. Last year, nearly 30,000 people got an even sweeter deal by buying during the early-bird period.” Highlights of the 2015 festival were also revealed. “The Kansas Health Foundation River Run is celebrating its 40th anniversary and will move back to opening weekend,” Jarvis said. “We know everyone loves fireworks and we will have two shows in the sky this year: an opening-night show following the Twilight Pops concert June 3rd, and the huge Capitol Federal Fireworks finale. But in addition to the classics, we are really excited by some new and innovative events that we’ll introduce this year.” Riverfest Hackathon presented by the Knight Foundation; STEAM City, a hands-on event that gives local manufacturing companies a chance to strut their stuff and reach out to young people, and the inclusion of popular car show BlackTop Nationals presented by Midwest Ford Dealers will bring new energy to the festival. Several events that require planning were also announced, along with a call to “Let the building begin!” inspiring attendees to start designing and creating their parade entries, racing rafts and decorated bikes. Riverfest will continue building on its longtime tradition of creating ways for area charities to benefit from Riverfest exposure and events. For the first time ever, a Habitat for Humanity blitz build will take place at the festival, allowing attendees to watch a Habitat home grow from the ground up in ten days. Also, the Celebrations for a Cause program gives people the chance to buy $5 buttons, which Festivals donates to service organizations, so that more of our neighbors can be included in Riverfest. “It’s a great way to do good, and to ensure that all of our neighbors can join the celebration,” said Jarvis. Wichita native Chris Parks is creative dynamo who has had a lasting visual impact on his hometown. His iconic style can be seen in logos on businesses up and down the Douglas Design District. The designer, illustrator, art director, and branding strategist is a graduate of Wichita State University. Parks spent time at Wichita’s most prestigious agencies before starting his eponymous company in 2011. He is known for collaborating with other artists and mentoring young designers. His portfolio and reputation have allowed him to work on projects all over the country, but he lives and works in Wichita, where he is raising his three boys. His design was selected for the Wichita River Festival poster competition back in 1998. “Riverfest is such a Wichita institution,” says Parks, “and as someone who spent my formative years here in Wichita, it really feels nice to be a part of it again." “In the 1990s, the successful Ray Wave poster design inspired a subsequent trend of illustrative character poster designs off and on over the years that in turn became each year’s mascot,” said Parks. “I became curious about challenging that long-running artwork formula, and thought of utilizing a limited color palette and focusing primarily on typography, versus a mascot or character design. As a tribute to and celebration of the now-iconic Wichita city flag, I imagined the flag’s red rays as being animated to music, surrounding a central ‘Party in ICT’ type treatment. This year’s artwork is meant to reflect the fact that the festival continues to evolve, and places emphasis on the musical talent brought to town each year. It’s one big gig poster, for one big party in ICT.” A team of design professionals judged the competition and selected Parks’s design from twenty-five submissions. Representatives from Emprise Bank, the sponsor of the 2016 Artwork Contest, and Docuplex, sponsor of the 2016 Riverfest poster, presented Parks with the $3,500 award for his winning design. The Riverfest 2016 concert line-up will be released on Feb. 17 via Facebook, Twitter and Riverfest’s many media partners. Discounted early-bird registration for the Kansas Health Foundation River Run races has begun and will continue through Feb. 28. 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817. A digital press kit containing the 2016 artwork, more about the artist, and this press release is available at WichitaRiverfest.com. ### WFI WRAPS STRONG YEAR Not-for-profit that produces Riverfest recaps numbers for 2015; Looking ahead to 2016 January 24, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. – On the brink of the official start of the Riverfest promotional season, Wichita Festivals, Inc., today shared a recap of the organization’s successes in 2015 with sponsors, supporters, volunteers and the public. “Thanks to those who share our goals of unifying the community and enhancing quality of life in Wichita, we had a successful year of achieving our mission,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “Lots of people support our efforts, and we are so grateful for that. Our generous sponsors and donors, button-buying Riverfest fans and our tireless volunteers – all are absolutely dedicated to Wichita and to making it great.” A successful year of events included helping the community celebrate the new Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport terminal, and growing Riverfest 2016 and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. Financial results were positive, allowing the organization to add 3 percent of 2015 revenues to reserves. As the organization prepares to unveil the iconic artwork for Riverfest 2016 on Jan. 29, here is a “WFI by the Numbers” overview of 2015: Riverfest 2015 Autumn & Art 2015 For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. and the festivals it produces, visit WichitaFestivals.com. 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### BLACKTOP NATIONALS CAR SHOW COMING TO RIVERFEST 2016 Ford-sponsored classic car event will take place June 9-11 in the heart of Kansas’ largest community party January 12, 2016 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc., today announced that Blacktop Nationals, presented by Ford, will be incorporated into Riverfest 2016. Blacktop Nationals, a large-scale event that drew car enthusiasts and attendees of all ages, has been held annually since 2010. This year, it will take place the final three days of Riverfest – June 9 to 11 – and feature classic and new car displays, competitions and hands-on demonstrations, all staged alongside Riverfest’s other festival offerings. Admission to the Blacktop Nationals displays and exhibits will be free with a Riverfest button. “We are very excited about this pairing,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “Gearheads and all who love Blacktop Nationals can celebrate the fact that great food, entertainment and other Riverfest activities will be available to add to their car-show experience. And Riverfest lovers get a huge bonus – in the form of impressive custom, classic and cutting-edge vehicles, plus unique experiences from Ford – all for the price of their Riverfest button.” Presenting sponsor Ford Motor Company will offer a peek at the latest automotive technology, as well as exhibitions and interactive experiences with Ford vehicles. Car collectors will be invited to bring their vehicles to the event for display and to compete in a variety of categories. Established by Rick Nuckolls and Ron Hawkins, Blacktop Nationals had previously taken place in downtown Wichita in August. Moving Blacktop to early June also means the weather is likely to be more amenable to collectors exhibiting their rides outdoors. Sponsors and vendors are currently being sought for Blacktop Nationals, and registration will open March 1 for collectors and individuals who wish to enter their vehicles into the show. “Blacktop Nationals has grown thanks to a strong volunteer base, and we are reaching out to those individuals and groups who have been such a big part of the event since it began,” said Jill Massey, WFI director of volunteers. “We are also excited to hear from those who wish to join the volunteer team for this event, those who want to show their vehicle, and potential sponsors looking to reach car enthusiasts.” Those who wish to participate will find more information at WichitaRiverfest.com. 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### BARRY SCHWAN TO SERVE AS 2016 CHAMBER CHAIR Congratulations to WFI Board Member-at-Large Barry Schwan of House of Schwan, who will be serving as the 2016 Board Chairman for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Riverfest Receives Grant to Establish a 24-Hour Hackathon at Riverfest Heartfelt thanks from Wichita Festivals to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Wichita Community Foundation for their $25,000 grant support for this new, unique Riverfest event! From the media released issued Dec. 8, 2015 by WCF: WICHITA FESTIVALS ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS October 20, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan. – New officers and directors today began terms on the volunteer leadership team of Wichita Festivals, Inc., which produces community events, including Riverfest and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. ### RIVERFEST OFFICALS REMIND CITIZENS: ‘YOU’RE THE FEST!’, INVITE PARTICIPATION Applications now available for the Emprise Bank Poster-Art Contest, festival entertainers, event organizers and food vendors October 15, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today officially kicked off the Riverfest planning season by reminding the citizens of Wichita that, “You’re the Fest!” and releasing application forms for Riverfest 2016. Artists are encouraged to enter the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest, sponsored by Emprise Bank. Riverfest is also seeking entertainers of all kinds, as well as food vendors and event organizers for the festival. “This event has always been all about the citizens of Wichita – who truly are what make Riverfest a success,” said Ann Keefer, vice president of program development for WFI. “Whether they are talented artists or performers, fun food vendors or creative event organizers, they are the fest, and they help us to create a nine-day party that offers something for everyone in the community.” Designs are sought for Riverfest 2016 based on the theme, “Party in ICT!” The winning artist will receive a $3,500 cash prize. All artists 18 or older are invited to participate and no fee is required to enter. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 to be eligible. “It’s always fun to see the excitement and energy of Riverfest through the creative eyes of the artists and designers who submit to this contest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “We hope participants will be truly inspired by this year’s theme and help us visually capture the spirit of Riverfest.” The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2016 poster, buttons, official T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in promotional campaigns for the nine-day annual celebration, scheduled for June 3-11 in downtown Wichita. Original Wichitennial and Wichita River Festival designs dating back to 1970 were created by local artists. Conducted periodically throughout the 45-year history of the festival, the annual contest was reestablished by popular demand in 2011. Release of the artwork is much anticipated and collectors value the pins, posters and buttons based on the artwork. Local and regional entertainers also have an important place in Riverfest history. While national headline acts are much anticipated, favorite area bands and other performers have always been fundamental to the diverse flavor of Riverfest. Plus, iconic Riverfest events such as the bathtub races have sprung from the minds of local hobbyists and civic groups. Those interested in contributing their talents to Riverfest can find New Event, Entertainment, and Food Vendor applications, as well as the Poster & Button Artwork Contest rules and application at WichitaRiverfest.com. 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 16-18, 2016). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ###
Positive results projected for 2015 due to strong attendance, sponsor support, volunteerism, entertainment, arts focus July 23, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. today affirmed that Riverfest 2015 – which saw increased attendance, volunteerism, and collaboration with local companies and arts organizations – is projected to create positive annual results for the organization. “Riverfest 2015 felt very successful,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “Attendance was high, the safety record was excellent, our volunteers and partners were rock stars, and attendees praised the caliber of the events. Now, we’re happy to affirm that our numbers match that feeling.” More than 410,000 people attended the 44th Riverfest May 30-June 6, up from 380,000 in 2014. A 31 percent increase in button revenue, driven by the higher retail price for adult buttons, made the largest difference in the festival’s results. “This year, we asked people to accept a higher retail price for adult buttons, so that we could create an event worthy of community pride. And what happened? People bought buttons and came to the festival over and over, creating great energy downtown for those nine days. We’re grateful to all our attendees and partners, because the trust they placed in us will allow us to make our community’s signature event even better in 2016,” Jarvis said. Closely tracking forecasts by Festival officials, total button sales dropped to about 97,000 from 111,000 in 2014, but repeat usage of buttons allowed for the increase in attendance. To ramp up to the price change, Festivals offered early-bird button sales, and nearly 30,000 $5 buttons were purchased by individuals and companies by May 7. However, Festival officials also noted that nearly 10,000 full-priced buttons were purchased – at QuikTrip locations and the event gates – on June 6, the last day of the festival. Community support for the festival remained robust. Sponsorship support came from nearly 200 cash and in-kind corporate and media partners. The Riverfest Corporate Host program – a way for small and medium-sized companies to support large-scale festival activities – saw an increase from 22 donors and $29,000 in 2014 to 34 donors and $45,000 of support in 2015. In addition, ticket sales, for attractions such as the Zipline and Saint Francis Ferris Wheel, were up 27 percent. “We are so grateful for the support Riverfest garners from our community,” said Jarvis. “It is inspiring that businesses and individuals in Wichita are eager to be partners in putting on an engaging, exciting festival that honors tradition and serves every generation. With everyone’s help, in just nine days each summer, we can energize downtown, bring people together, and help add $25 to $30 million to our local economy.” Support for Celebrations for a Cause, an initiative to ensure that those in need are able to attend Riverfest, nearly doubled. Meineke Car Care Centers and Greene Vision Group inspired other companies with challenge grants, making it possible for more than 2,500 buttons to get to charitable organizations that distributed them to those they serve. Volunteer involvement grew, with more than 6,000 people donating more than 32,000 hours of time before, during and after the festival doing hundreds of tasks. “As a longtime volunteer myself, it is so rewarding to see this many volunteers coming together to help us put on the biggest party Wichita has to offer,” said Admiral Windwagon Smith XLII Mike Greene. A deliberate focus on the arts and culturally-driven programming resulted in impressive concert attendance and renewed interest in the Safelite Autoglass Sundown Parade. The parade was attended by more than 30,000 people and served as the venue for the display of four large-scale artworks by the first Riverfest Artist-in-Residence, Wayne White. Five sold-out workshops in collaboration with Harvester Arts were conducted by White during the two weeks preceding the festival, as well as a popular artist talk and a film screening. Headliner concerts continued to be a major draw, with crowds of more than 20,000 people gathering for the Coleman Country Concert with Easton Corbin, the 7 Clans/First Council Village People show and A Salute to Aviation starring Celtic rockers Flogging Molly. In addition, an audience of 12,000 welcomed Grammy-winning singer Erica Campbell as the headline act for Gospelfest. A spectacular closing night helped cap off the 2015 festival. About 17,000 people attended the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River Concert featuring D.J. Jazzy Jeff and Mayer Hawthorne, and the Fiesta del Rio event, centered around the Cox Kids Corner and RedGuard Stage south of the Hyatt Regency Wichita, drew 13,000. Then, more than 40,000 gathered on Kennedy Plaza and the river banks to enjoy a huge Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale. The highest attended festival days (65,000 each) were Friday, May 29; Sunday, May 31 and Saturday, June 6. New events in 2015 included War on 54 Renegade Pinewood Derby and Over the Edge, both organized by Boy Scouts of America, Quivira Council; Kansas Honor Flight Duck Deployment; Opera Kansas; King of the Ring; Riverfest Horseshoes; Beep Baseball; Hoop Art; Farmer’s Market; Learn & Play Bridge and Human Foosball. Meineke Hot Air Balloons returned and cooperative weather allowed for two balloon launches. Cox Kids Corner, which was relocated to the lawn south of the Hyatt Regency Wichita, was a popular attraction throughout the week. “The community has been so supportive and receptive to changes we have implemented to strengthen the festival,” said Jarvis. “Our success this year means a better festival for Wichita in 2016.” Wichita’s Riverfest 2016 is scheduled for June 3-11. Riverfest 2015 Official Sponsors: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Prairieland Partners, RedGuard/SiteBox and Spot’s Party Bus. For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). # # # ATTENDANCE, VOLUNTEERING UP; SECURITY EXCELLENT AT RIVERFEST 2015 Button sales and complete financial results still to come, but sponsorship support and early numbers promising. June 11, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. reported today Riverfest’s total attendance rose to 410,000, the festival volunteer force grew to more than 6,000, and law enforcement issues associated with the event dipped to record lows. “While we still have important financial information that’s not clear yet, we’re delighted with the groundswell of volunteer support, strong attendance, and excellent safety and security record,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization that produces Riverfest. “This year’s event was characterized by great partnerships – including strong sponsor support and amazing energy from volunteers – and lots of diverse festivalgoers enjoying a wide range of events in the true spirit of Riverfest celebration and unity.” Here are Riverfest 2015 results in to date: “Riverfest is an expensive endeavor, and it will take a few weeks before we know whether button sales and other revenue will cover our costs for this year,” Jarvis said. “But thanks to the great work of our partners and volunteers, feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are ready jump right into preparations for 2016. We’ll continue to gather input on what we should rethink for next year, so we can continue to improve this great community celebration.”
About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 (June 3-11, 2016) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] FINAL RIVERFEST DAY PACKED WITH RIVER EVENTS, MUSIC, FAMILY FUN Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River and Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale to close week of fun WICHITA, Kan., June 5, 2015 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, wraps up Saturday with a huge fireworks display, major concerts, great river events, family activities, contests and competitions, all free with a $10 admission button for adults or $3 button for kids ages 6 to 12. “This year’s Riverfest has truly brought the community together to celebrate,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “With more than 300,000 attendees so far, we’ve had great crowds enjoying the concerts, hanging out in Ackerman’s Backyard, riding the Saint Francis Ferris Wheel, playing in Cox Kids Corner and sampling fun festival food.” EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, June 6: The 44th Riverfest offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Admission buttons – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – are at local Dillon stores and QuikTrips. 2015 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, PraireLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting and Metro Courier. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### A SALUTE TO AVIATION HONORS CITY’S HERITAGE AND WORKERS Riverfest fun continues Friday with flight-themed contests, displays and events; Flogging Molly on Kennedy Plaza WICHITA, Kan., June 4, 2015 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, hosts A Salute to Aviation for the second year this Friday with a full day of events dedicated to Wichita’s rich aviation history. A Salute to Aviation pays special tribute to all things flight in the heart of the Air Capital of the World. Starting at 11 a.m. Friday, A Salute to Aviation continues throughout the day with flight-themed activities, displays, and contests. Kennedy Plaza Stage will host Irish rock band Flogging Molly while the Neon Dance Party starring Four Color Zack will take over the RedGuard Stage. Presenting sponsors for the day include Spirit AeroSystems, Rusty Eck Ford, Learjet, Textron Aviation, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Cox Machine. A SALUTE TO AVIATION EVENTS: The 44th Riverfest takes place Friday, May 29 through June 6 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at area Dillons and QuikTrip locations. 2015 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Decker Electric, RedGuard SiteBox Storage, PraireLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting and Metro Courier. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### A GREAT FIRST WEEKEND SETS UP WEEKDAY FUN AT RIVERFEST 2015 WICHITA, Kan., June 1, 2015 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, continues this week with more thrilling events and concerts for all tastes, free with a $10 admission button for adults or “More than 150,000 attendees had a great time during our first three days of Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “While our fast-flowing river hasn’t permitted paddle boats and other small craft yet, locals and out-of-town visitors enjoyed our art-infused parade, great concerts, Cox Kids Corner activities, jet-ski races, zipline rides and river tours – all included free with their Riverfest buttons.” More than 100 festival events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access a full daily event schedule on their mobile devices. EVENTS FOR TUESDAY, June 2: EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 3: SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### GRAMMY-WINNER ERICA CAMPBELL HEADLINING RIVERFEST GOSPELFEST Artist behind 2015 Gospel Album of the Year to Cap Off Night of Inspirational Performances WICHITA, Kan., May 30, 2015 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, hosts its highly anticipated Gospelfest event Monday, featuring contemporary Gospel star and reality television actress, Erica Campbell. Gospelfest brings together local choirs and national talent for an evening of inspiring celebration. In addition to her red-hot solo career, which this year garnered her a Grammy award for Gospel Album of the Year, Campbell is one half of acclaimed Gospel duo Mary Mary. The group has received 17 Stellar Awards, including 4 Group/Duo of the Year Awards. Mary Mary gained fame in 2000 following the release of their crossover hit single, “Shackles,” pioneering the emergence of urban contemporary gospel music. Campbell’s two solo albums have both reached number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Charts, with popular tracks “I Luh God,” “Help” and “A Little More Jesus.” She is also known for her celebrated WE tv reality show Mary Mary. Gospelfest, which begins at 5:15 p.m. on Riverfest’s Kennedy Plaza stage, is an evening of celebration showcasing local musicians and choirs, capped off by the national headliner. “This is an exciting Gospelfest lineup,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We’re showcasing exceptional talent – not only Ms. Campbell but also every local performer gracing our stage – and it’s all included with your Riverfest button.” “Gospelfest has historically been one of Riverfest’s most cherished nights,” said Cameo Profit, music director for St. Mark Cathedral Church of God In Christ, who served on the Gospelfest planning committee and assembled the Mass Choir for Gospelfest 2015. We look forward to inspiring the whole community at this great event.” This year’s local performers include The Dennis Family; Jay Thurston; Dynamic Revelators; TRU; Cameo Profit and 1 Way; Jermane and Friends; Dana Hemphill and a Mass Choir composed of singers from around the local faith community. Presenting sponsors for the event include Spirit AeroSystems, Westar Energy and Cox Business. HealthCore Clinic and other local entities also helped fund the event, while promotional partners KMUW, Q92, Great Plains TV and The Community Voice have helped make both Gospel enthusiasts and all community members aware of the event. More information is available at the Riverfest Gospelfest page. Other Gospelfest planners include Prisca Barnes and Kaye Monk-Morgan, members of Wichita Festivals’ Board of Directors; Ronda Kingwood of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church; and Wichita Festivals staff members. The Greater Wichita Ministerial League; Urban League of Kansas; St. Mark United Methodist Church; Real Men Real Heros; Tabernacle Bible, the Church without Walls; Greater Wichita Pan-Hellenic Council; Ebony S. Clemons Piano Studio; Wichita Chapter of LINKS, Inc.; The Kansas African American Museum; Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and Drs. Evies & Sharon Cranford have also supported the 2015 event. The 44th Riverfest takes place Friday, May 29 through June 6 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. 2015 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Decker Electric, RedGuard Site Box Storage, PraireLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting and Metro Courier. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### THE 44TH WICHITA RIVERFEST SET TO BLAST OFF! WICHITA, Kan., May 28, 2015 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community event, kicks off Friday with nine days of exhilarating concerts and activities designed to unite the community and celebrate Wichita’s rich history and talent. All this fun is available with a $10 admission button for adults. Children under five are admitted free to the festival; buttons for kids ages 6 to 12 are $3. “Many exciting newer attractions are back at Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., “including the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, Cox Kids Corner, and our expanded area south of the Hyatt, including Cox Kids Corner and a 2nd main concert venue, the RedGuard Stage. Thanks to our sponsors – whose support makes Riverfest possible and affordable – favorites such as the Koch Twilight Pops Concert, Gospelfest and Festival of Broadway are returning this year, bookended by an opening-night fireworks show and the giant Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale on closing night.” The 44th Riverfest – themed “Button Up. Have a Blast!” – features the most events and attractions in its history, all outlined on wichitariverfest.com. Festival attendees can also access a full daily event schedule and festival map on their mobile devices. EVENTS RUNNING DAILY: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, May 30: EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, May 31: The 44th Riverfest takes place Friday through June 6 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Admission buttons – $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – are at local Dillon stores and QuikTrips. 2015 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Spot’s Party Bus, Decker Electric, RedGuard SiteBox storage, PraireLand Partners, Parr Sound & Lighting and Metro Courier. 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 WFI are Riverfest (and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### Ready for Blast Off! Riverfest Buttons Now at Retail Outlets More than 28,000 buttons already purchased as community gears up for its largest annual event May 8, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita Festivals, Inc. held a Riverfest 2015 “sneak peak” event today in Old Town, marking the beginning of retail sales of Riverfest buttons, which grant admission to the nine-day festival, set for May 29 through June 6. “More than 25,000 adult buttons, plus nearly 3,000 kids’ buttons, have already been purchased,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals. “We’ve talked to so many community members who were not only eager to take advantage of the early-bird savings, but also really excited about this year’s festival and all the great events and entertainment planned for it.” Now through June 6, Riverfest buttons are available at area Dillons and QuikTrip stores. Riverfest offers two types of buttons: a $10 adult button and a $3 child button, for kids ages 6 to 12. Children 5 years and younger are admitted to the festival free of charge. Among 21 new Riverfest events for 2015 are the Boy Scouts’ Over the Edge fundraiser; Kansas Honor Flight’s Duck Deployment; Archery Tag; Human Foosball; a weekday Farmer’s Market; and the Wet Your Pallet Raft Race, created in response to the public’s call for a return of the Riverfest Raft Races of past years. A second fireworks show has been added, so attendees can thrill to pyrotechnics after the SafeLite® AutoGlass Sundown Parade and the Koch Industries Twilight Pops concert on opening night and come back on closing night for the Capitol Federal Fireworks finale. A Salute to Aviation (presented by the City of Wichita, Bombardier Learjet, IBEW Local 271, Rusty Eck Ford, Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation), Meineke hot air balloons, Ackerman’s Backyard, Full STEAM Ahead and the St. Francis Ferris Wheel are just a few of the features that debuted or returned in 2014 and are back by popular demand. A significantly increased number of participatory and athletic events are planned for individuals and teams, such as pickle ball, bubble soccer and the return of Riverfest Horseshoes.
This year’s button will serve as the ticket to all Riverfest concerts, including the Koch Industries Twilight Pops, Robert Randolph & The Family Band (presented by Don Hattan Chevrolet), Coleman Country Concert with Easton Corbin, 7 Clans First Council’s Wet & Wild Disco Dance Party with The Village People, Gospelfest starring Erica Campbell (presented by Spirit AeroSystems, Cox Business and Westar Energy), Old 97s, Riders in the Sky, Festival of Broadway with Music Theatre Wichita, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Flogging Molly, Westar Energy’s Fiesta del Rio and the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River concert starring DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mayer Hawthorne. More than 75 local and regional bands will also perform at the festival, either as opening acts on the Kennedy Plaza and RedGuard main stages, or on the Star Lumber Floating Stage and the Sparkling Ice Food Court Stage. In addition to nine days of festival fun, Riverfest 2015 buttons also come with a number of perks and discounts, including free or reduced admission to a number of area museums and attractions – including Botanica, Exploration Place, Kansas African American Museum, Kansas Aviation Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Old Cowtown Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita Art Museum and the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum – for visitors wearing a Riverfest button. “At $10 for nine days of concerts, events and fun – as well as discounts on area attractions – a Riverfest buttons are still the best entertainment deal around,” said Jarvis. “When is the last time you saw a national headliner in concert for $10?” Admiral Windwagon Smith XLII Mike Greene reminded attendees about WFI’s Celebrations for a Cause program, which makes it possible for worthy citizens, who may not otherwise have the chance, to attend Riverfest. Generous business and individuals donors purchase buttons, allowing service organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Wichita Children’s Home to share the fun of Riverfest with the families they serve. Grene Vision Group and Meineke Car Care Centers have galvanized Wichita Festivals’ Celebrations for a Cause campaign, donating 1,000 Riverfest buttons each and challenging the community to welcome those served by local charities to Riverfest. Donors can contribute at WichitaRiverfest.com. For more information about Riverfest 2015, contact Teri Mott, at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox and Spot’s Party Bus. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### EMMY-WINNER WAYNE WHITE IS FIRST RIVERFEST ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE White to work with local artists, create large-scale puppets for Safelite® AutoGlass Sundown Parade WICHITA, Kan., May 1, 2015 – Wichita Festivals, Inc.(WFI) and Harvester Arts announced today they are partnering with Ulrich Museum of Art and Wichita State University School of Art, Design and Creative Industries (WSU SADCI) to create an artist’s residency in collaboration with Riverfest 2015 with Emmy and Billboard award-winning artist, Wayne White. Among other events during the 10-day residency, White will work with local artists to build several large-scale puppets for Riverfest’s Safelite® AutoGlass Sundown Parade and conduct public mask-making workshops for anyone interested in walking with him in the parade. Best known for his set and puppet designs for “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” for which he won three Emmy awards, White also voiced characters on the show. His other television credits include production and set design for “Shining Time Station,” “Riders in the Sky,” “The Weird Al Show,” and “Beakman's World.” White was also art director of two seminal music videos, Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time” in 1986, for which he won a Billboard award for best art direction in a music video, and the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight,” for which he designed the Georges Méliès-inspired sets in 1996. “Wayne White is a creative rock star,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., “and thanks to great collaboration by local arts organizations and a broad range of generous supporters, everyone will get to experience his unique and engaging art, just for the price of a Riverfest button.” “Here at the Ulrich we believe that today’s art matters, so it’s a natural extension for us to support this residency,” said Bob Workman, director of the Ulrich Museum of Art. “We really look forward to presenting some of the results of Wayne’s workshops here at the Ulrich Underground in June. We are so fortunate to live in a community with dynamic arts organizations, and Harvester and WFI are bringing important programming to enrich us all.” Kristin Beal, co-founder and COO of Harvester Arts, has worked as a creative consultant for the Riverfest parade since 2013. Beal approached Ann Keefer, Wichita Festivals’ vice president of program development with the idea of an artist residency that coincided with the Sundown Parade. “We aim to make the Sundown Parade – with its vast audience of more than 40,000 attendees – an annual arts destination and a showcase for the ephemeral, experimental, creative and cultured experiences our community has to offer,” said Beal. Author of the first full-length broadcast episode of The Simpsons, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” in 1989, Pond was nominated for two Emmy awards. Her cartoons and illustrations have been published in National Lampoon, The Village Voice, The New York Times, Adweek, and others. She is the author and illustrator of five books and currently contributes to the Los Angeles Times. Pond won the PEN Center USA award for Graphic Literature Outstanding Body of Work, with a special mention for her 2014 graphic novel, Over Easy, for Canadian publisher Drawn & Quarterly. “The School of Art, Design and Creative Industries at Wichita State University values creative partnerships with organizations and artists in our community and around the world,” said Dr. Royce W. Smith, director of WSU SADCI. “Our collaborative venture with Harvester Arts and WFI to bring Wayne White and Mimi Pond to Wichita demonstrates the excitement that can be generated in the art world when we work together—campus and community.” Riverfest Artist’s Residency with Wayne White: Event Schedule Tickets for all events are available online at EventBrite.com (search Wayne White at Riverfest) or call (316) 267-2817. RSVPs are required for paid events and recommended for free events. Sponsors for the Riverfest Artist Residency with Wayne White include Harvester Arts; Ulrich Museum of Art; Wichita State University School of Art, Design and Creative Industries; Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission; Lucinda’s; Abode Venue; Watermark Books; WaterWalk Hotel & Apartments; Tallgrass Film Association; Wichita Center for the Arts; and The Arts Council. For more information, contact Kristin Beal at [email protected] About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). ### LEAD DONORS HELPING RIVERFEST INCLUDE CHILDREN, FAMILIES IN NEED Grene Vision Group, Meineke Challenge Area Businesses to Support Celebrations for a Cause Campaign WICHITA, Kan., April 21, 2015 – Grene Vision Group and Meineke Car Care Centers have galvanized Wichita Festivals’ Celebrations for a Cause campaign, donating 1,000 Riverfest buttons each and challenging the community to welcome those served by local charities to Riverfest. Celebrations for a Cause was reintroduced in 2013 as part of an effort to ensure Riverfest would be an inclusive community event. Businesses and individuals can purchase extra Riverfest buttons to be donated to local nonprofits for distribution to their families and clients. “These generous lead donors have given us a tremendous boost as we try to include in Riverfest as many as 5,000 worthy citizens who might otherwise have missed out on their community’s most unifying event,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We are delighted to be a part of this caring community, and we want to help ensure everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful entertainment and cultural events of Riverfest,” said Kayli Smith, COO Grene Vision Group. “As a locally owned company in the Wichita and Hutchinson area, we believe it’s important to invest in our community. Being able to assist others is something that is part of our core values, and Riverfest gives us a wonderful opportunity to give back,” said Steve Blasdel, president, Meineke Car Care Centers. “My own background is in the non-profit sector, and whatever we can do to help these giving organizations and the people they serve be a part of the festival is a lasting investment in Wichita.” In the past two years, agencies including the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, DUI Victims Center of Kansas, Envision, Kansas Humane Society, KETCH, Starkey, the Wichita Children’s Home and area churches have received buttons. “Support of generous donors and area businesses will allow us to host them for special activities and let them enjoy nine days of fun together with the rest of our community,” said Jarvis. Donors may give online at wichitariverfest.com or wichitafestivals.com or by calling Wichita Festivals at 267-2817. The nine-day festival takes place May 29 through June 6 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 44th year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now for the early-bird price of $5 for adults at the INTRUST Bank Arena box office and at Wichita Festivals’ office at 444 E. William. Beginning May 8th, retail buttons – at $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – will be available at local QuikTrip, Dillons and other locations. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard and SiteBox, and Spot’s Party Bus. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected]
MERITRUST TOT TROT 2015 ARTWORK COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED WICHITA, Kan., April 24, 2015 - Wichita Festivals, Inc. (WFI), parent organization of Riverfest, announced the winner of the Meritrust Tot Trot Artwork Competition today at an assembly held at Seltzer Elementary School. Second grader Jony Dang from Seltzer was named overall winner of the competition.More than 1,350 contest entries were received from Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders representing ten area public and parochial schools. Jony’s design will be featured on the T-shirt provided to each Meritrust Tot Trot entrant. The Meritrust Tot Trot is a component of the Kansas Health Foundation River Run, a signature event of Riverfest. Jony received a $50 gift certificate as well as a framed t-shirt of her winning design. Art instructor Marcia Scurfield received a $100 gift certificate as well as a framed T-shirt. Each of Jony’s classmates received a complimentary Meritrust Tot Trot entry. Colvin Elementary won a $400 prize for most entries in the competition (Amy Lawson/Shannon Bohm). Second place winner was Seltzer Elementary (Marcia Scurfield), and third place went to Spaght (Ashley Reid). Individual winners in each grade division also win prizes; 1st place winners won a $50 gift certificate, 2nd place winners received a $25 gift certificate, and 3rd place winners received a $10 gift certificate. Division competition winners are as follows: 2nd Grade 1st Grade Kindergarten Tot Trot, an official Riverfest event, is sponsored by Meritrust Credit Union. The event is a fun run for children aged two to seven, where everyone who crosses the finish line receives a medallion. The Meritrust Tot Trot will begin at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 6 on the Maple Street Bridge in downtown Wichita. Registrants receive an event T-shirt and Riverfest button. Registration is currently taking place online at RiverRunWichita.com and is available onsite the day of the event. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Bud Light, Decker Electric, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners, RedGuard SiteBox, Spot’s Party Bus. Greene Revealed as Admiral Windwagon Smith XLII, Ambassador for Riverfest 2015 44th Riverfest to include robust concert line-up, two fireworks shows, increased river and participatory events, more! March 12, 2015 — WICHITA, Kan.— During a press conference today at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, Wichita “Mike is a perfect person to represent all those who are behind this great event to the broader community,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of WFI. “He has dedicated tremendous energy to Riverfest, and his love for the festival shines through everything he’s done as a partner and a volunteer for so many years.” About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with the purpose ofcreating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Riverfest (May 29- June 6) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] MUSIC HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR RIVERFEST 2015 The diverse line-up of concerts are all free with a Riverfest button March 10, 2015 - WICHITA, Kan.–Wichita Festivals has released the Riverfest 2015 concert headliners, an array of national stars and diverse talents festivalgoers can enjoy for just the price of a Riverfest button. The festival will kick off on Friday, May 29 with a longtime tradition—Koch Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra on Kennedy Plaza—directly following the Sundown Parade. Locally grown, nationally known alt-country rockers Split Lip Rayfield will perform on the RedGuard Stage adjacent to the Wichita Boathouse that night. On Saturday, May 30, Holy Ghost Tent Revival and The 44’s will open for acclaimed steel guitarist Robert Randolph & the Family Band who will bring their fusion of blues, rock and soul to the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Red Dirt Country artist Kyle Park will perform on the RedGuard Stage. The Coleman Country Concert is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, and stars Easton Corbin who has produced four-top ten country songs (including two #1 hits) since his debut in 2009. His latest album, “It’s About to Get Real” will be released in late March. Vocalist Erica Campbell of gospel duo Mary Mary and 2015 Grammy Gospel Artist of the Year, will headline Gospelfest on Monday, June 1 following performances by community choirs and other regional artists on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Tuesday, June 2 will see the return of “Festival of Broadway” to Kennedy Plaza, featuring performances by Music Theatre Wichita, Roxy’s Downtown and Mosley Street Melodrama. Disco legends the Village People will headline the Wet & Wild Disco Party on Wednesday, June 3. This multi-generational dance party will feature a variety of water elements to beat the heat, and stars the six-man vocal group who topped the charts with “YMCA” in 1979. At the RedGuard Stage, Riders in the Sky will delight fans of all ages with their special brand of cowboy music and comedy. The Monophonics will open for Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires at the Big Easy Concert on Thursday, June 4, which takes place during and after the Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest on Kennedy Plaza. Funk/soul/R&B artist Bradley is frequently compared to Otis Redding and James Brown in popular music publications. On June 5, high-energy Celtic rockers Flogging Molly will headline the Indie Showcase on Kennedy Plaza with opening act The Devil Makes Three. On the RedGuard Stage, The Neon Dance Party will feature Los Angeles-based Four Color Zack, winner of the 2012 Red Bull Thre3style World DJ Championships. Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River concert kicks off the finale of Riverfest 2015 at Kennedy Plaza on Saturday, June 6 with performances by DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mayer Hawthorne, a Grammy-nominated pop singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose latest release, Tuxedo,” debuted on March 3. Fiesta del Rio, featuring Grupo Mojado, will take place on the RedGuard Stage, also on closing night. The Capitol Federal Fireworks will close the festival with a bang following the concerts. A number of local and regional acts also will perform at Riverfest 2015, including Cherokee Maidens, O’Phil, KOPECKY, Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy, DJ Carbon, Big Red Horse, Brandon Lane Band, Tony Ngo, Corriander, Mountain Deer Revival, Adam Capps & The Dirt Road Drifters, DJ Tight Pants, Nouveau Quintette and many others. In addition to the Kennedy Plaza and RedGuard stages, the Sparkling Ice Food Court Stage and Star Lumber Floating Stage at A. Price Woodard Park will be activated throughout the festival. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $10, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $3. Adult buttons are available at an early bird discount price of $5 via preorder at SelectASeat.com, and in person April 17-May 7 at Intrust Bank Arena Box Office, 500 E. Waterman, and Wichita Festivals, 444 E. Willam. Full-price buttons will be available at the same locations as well as at major button retailors (Dillons and QuikTrip) beginning May 8. Media partners for Riverfest 2015 include 104.5 The Fox, 99.7 Lite FM, Alt 107.3, B98FM, BOB FM, The Bull, The Buzz, Channel 963, Clear Channel Outdoor, The Community Voice, CW, F5, FOX Kansas, Intake Studios, KAKEland, KEYN, KFDI, KFH, KGSO, KMUW, KNSS, KQAM, KSN, KWCH, Liberty Press, POWER 93.5, Radio Lobo, Splurge!, T95, Visit Wichita, Wichita magazine and The Wolf. Riverfest 2015 Official Sponsors include: Bud Light, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, PrairieLand Partners and RedGuard. About Wichita Festivals, Inc.: 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 29- June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 18-20, 2015). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] ### COMMUNITY INVITED TO ‘BUTTON UP. HAVE A BLAST!’ AT RIVERFEST 2015 Iconic button and poster artwork unveiled; 2015 festival sneak peek includes button-price news February 13, 2015—WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita Festivals, Inc. today revealed the iconic artwork for Riverfest 2015 and offered a sneak peek at the upcoming festival at a press event at Emprise Bank, sponsor of the 2015 artwork contest. Wichita-based artist Roger Strunk won this year’s button and poster artwork competition with his interpretation of Admiral Windwagon Smith as an astronaut with the Wichita skyline in the background to capture this year’s theme, “Button Up. Have a Blast!” “Roger’s clever design combines a fun, retro feel with an energetic spirit that embodies Riverfest and our community,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President/CEO of Wichita Festivals. “His poster and buttons will be a wonderful way to invite citizens and visitors to ‘Button Up. Have a Blast!’ at Riverfest 2015.” The astronaut Admiral and his corndog-wielding turtle sidekick, Ace, will adorn advertisements and merchandise and invite festival-goers to the largest community celebration in the state of Kansas: Riverfest 2015, May 29-June 6. A version of the poster artwork will be featured on the adult button. The child’s button, which was introduced for kids 6-12 in 2013, will feature Ace. (As always, children 5 years old and younger get into the festival for free.) Jarvis also announced that for this first time in nearly a decade, the cost of the adult admission button will increase. Beginning May 8th, the adult button price will move to $10. The price for the popular child’s button will stay at $3. Before that date, adult buttons will be offered for an early-bird pricing will make the adult button available for $5. “Since 2006, the entertainment industry has changed and event costs are way up. Rather than scaling back our efforts or putting attendees and our volunteers through multiple price increases in the next few years, we’re looking to the future, planning for a high-caliber event, and asking folks to pay just a little more than a dollar a day to enjoy it,” said Jarvis. Highlights of the 2015 festival were also revealed. “A robust schedule of concert headliners is planned for our two main stages at Kennedy Plaza and WaterWalk, including classic disco act the Village People. Our Kansas Health Foundation River Run race series will move to the second Saturday of the festival,” Jarvis said. “Capitol Federal’s large fireworks show will move to closing night to provide an even more impressive finale to the festival. Meineke hot air balloons and Ackerman’s Backyard will be back by popular demand, and Treasure Island, a favorite with the young set, will return this year,” said Jarvis. A team of design professionals judged the competition and selected Strunks’s design from twenty-three submissions. Representatives of Emprise Bank, the sponsor of the 2015 Artwork Contest, and Docuplex, sponsor of the 2015 Riverfest poster, presented Strunk with the $3,500 award for his winning design. The Riverfest 2015 concert line-up will be released in upcoming weeks via Facebook, Twitter and Riverfest’s many media partners. Discounted early bird registration for Kansas Health Foundation River Run has begun and will continue through Feb. 28.
Wichita Festivals Announces Board Officers and New Members October 21, 2014 Chris Goebel, chairman and CEO of Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc., is chairman of the WFI board for the 2014-2015 board year. Esther Headley, president of The Research Partnership, is chair-elect. The board secretary is Jennifer Magana, Deputy Sedgwick County Counselor. Alan Howarter vice president, Vess Oil Corporation, is the organization’s treasurer. Kaye Monk-Morgan, Upward Bound director at Wichita State University, is the board’s immediate past chair. The officers and directors were elected at the Wichita Festivals, Inc. annual meeting in September. Retiring from the Wichita Festivals board were Bill Gardner, Gary Gibbs and Dick Honeyman, each of whom served on the board since the fall of 2008, as well as Lori Linenberger, who had served since 2011. Other members of the board include Prisca Barnes of Storytime Village, Inc.; Clay Bastian of Fidelity Financial Corporation; Gary Austerman of Klenda Austerman LLC; Lathi deSilva of Sullivan, Higdon & Sink; Don Grant of Carey, Thomas, Hoover and Breault; Barry Schwan of House of Schwan; Capt. Gavin Seiler of Wichita Police Department; and Carol E. Wilson, accountant. For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. contact Teri Mott, Director of Marketing, (316) 267-2817, or [email protected] 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. Riverfest (May 30-June 6, 2015) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (Sept. 18-20, 2015). ### KANSAS’ LARGEST COMMUNITY EVENT HAS SUCCESSFUL YEAR July 18, 2014 - WICHITA, Kan .– Wichita Festivals, Inc. today released final results for Riverfest 2014, noting increases in festival attendance and button sales. Popular concert headliners and amped-up events drew 380,000 attendees during this year’s nine-day event, up from 360,000 in 2013. According to Wichita Festivals, Inc. President and CEO, Mary Beth Jarvis, button sales were also up six percent from 104,000 in 2013, to 111,000 (96,000 adult buttons and 15,000 child buttons) sold overall. On-site sales remained steady at 30,000 with retail sales (primarily at AAA, Dillons, and QuikTrip) up by 18 percent. Corporate button sales increased by 14 percent over 2013 with more than 12,000 buttons sold directly to companies who provided buttons to employees or clients. Sponsorship revenue for Riverfest was up 15 percent from 2013, thanks to nearly 200 sponsors and media partners, as well as 22 Riverfest Corporate Hosts (small to medium-sized business partners) and 138 Festival Crew members (individual donors). “It is exciting to see sponsorship and button sales numbers up, and we are delighted that the community has welcomed a reinvigorated festival with expanded events and a strong concert line-up,” said Jarvis. “This caliber of event requires a great deal of resources, so we’ll need to continue to secure increasing sponsor and community support.” Celebrations for a Cause (CFC), an initiative to ensure that those in need are able to attend Riverfest, saw a decline in participation. The program provides buttons to social service organizations that distribute them to those they serve. Donations for the program dropped, resulting in distribution of 1,180 buttons this year, down from 4,263 in 2013. Much of the success of Riverfest depends on a large and active volunteer base. This year 5,412 volunteers donated 21,704 hours of time selling buttons, cleaning tables, installing fencing, organizing and running events, and doing hundreds of other tasks. “It takes a lot of folks to put on this wonderful community celebration,” said Admiral Windwagon Smith XLI Ron Ryan. “Our volunteers are an amazing team and the festival could not happen without them.” “The Riverfest has always been a celebration for all,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, Wichita Festivals’ chairperson. “This year’s intentional focus on planning an event that celebrates the richness of our community paid off. It was exciting to see attendees of such a variety of ages and backgrounds celebrating as neighbors in downtown Wichita. This year’s festival showcased the best of Wichita – its people.” New events in 2014 included the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, which benefitted St. Francis Community Services’ foster-care programs; a day-long Salute to Aviation; Meineke Hot Air Balloons; Gospelfest, with a national headliner for the first time in seven years; a Latin Fiesta; and the Westar Energy Laser-Light Finale. Cox Kids Corner flourished in its new location at WaterWalk and Ackerman’s Backyard, debuting in A. Price Woodard Park, offered grown-ups a place to relax and enjoy live entertainment. Opening night traditions – the Sundown Parade, Koch Industries Twilight Pops, and Capitol Federal Fireworks – drew 75,000 to Kennedy Plaza and the Arkansas River. Headliner concerts drove the numbers on many of the festival’s big attendance nights. The Coleman Country Concert with Jerrod Niemann attracted 22,000 attendees. Joan Jett played to an audience of 19,000. Even on weeknights, live shows drew big crowds. Tamela Mann performed for 12,000 gospel fans on a Monday night. DJ Grandmaster Flash played to 12,000 attendees of all ages on Wednesday. Closing night’s Final Hoopla featuring Spirit AeroSystems Rockin' on the River with Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, and the Westar Energy Laser-Light Finale brought 35,000 festival-goers to downtown Wichita. Wichita’s Riverfest 2015 is scheduled for May 29 – June 6. Riverfest 2014 Official Sponsors: Bud Light, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi, and Prairieland Partners. # # # For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] 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 29- June 6, 2014) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 12-14, 2014).
SAFE, SECURE RIVERFEST ENJOYS ROBUST SUPPORT, GOOD ATTENDANCE June 8, 2014 - WICHITA, Kan. –While complete sales and cost numbers continue to be compiled, Wichita Festivals, Inc., reported today that total attendance for the nine-day event was approximately 380,000 – up 5% percent from 2013, which was up from 2012 by 30 percent. Other Riverfest 2014 results in to date: On-site button sales, which had dipped to 12,000 in 2012, were more than 31,000. In 2013, 30,000 buttons were sold at the event, out of 104,000 total buttons purchased – including those sold at local AAA, Dillons and QuikTrip stores. In its second year, the $3 child button remained a hot item, with nearly 5,500 sold on site. “What a wonderful nine days in Wichita,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., which produces Riverfest. “Our volunteers and staff worked to plan a festival that would be fun and engaging for diverse attendees, and early indicators seem to show that people liked the variety of performances, food, and family activities at Riverfest 2014. We have also heard from many people that they enjoyed the safe, secure environment created by requiring festivalgoers to have a button.” “We’ll continue to compile our financial results,” Jarvis said. “We’ll also be working hard to gather feedback on what people liked best and what we should rethink for next year, so we can continue to improve this great community celebration.” Sponsorships and donations, as well as thousands of hours of service from board and committee members and nearly 5,000 volunteers, make Riverfest possible. Nearly 200 cash and in-kind sponsors and media partners were involved in 2014, and total sponsorship was up more than 15 percent from 2013, said Jarvis. New events for 2014 included the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, which benefitted St. Francis Community Services’ foster-care programs; a day-long Salute to Aviation; Meineke Hot Air Balloons; Paddle Battle kayak races; a Latin Fiesta; a huge Gospelfest with a national headliner (first in 7 years); and the Westar Energy Laser-Light Finale. Other changes included the move of Cox Kids Corner and many family activities from A. Price Woodard Park to the WaterWalk area and the creation of Ackerman’s Backyard as a grown-ups playground, where audiences enjoyed backyard games, performances on the Star Lumber Floating Stage and river events. Here are some other highlights from this year’s festival: “Measuring attendance is not an exact science,” Jarvis said, “but we do our best, with help from our colleagues in the Wichita Police Department who have experience gauging crowd sizes, to reach these figures and estimate the attendees at our Kennedy Plaza events and concerts, in our Cox Kids’ Corner and WaterWalk Pavilion areas, in Ackerman’s Backyard and along the river, and out at events–such as the softball, and beach volleyball tournaments–that took place elsewhere.” The 43rd Riverfest took place May 30 through Saturday and offered a wide range of entertainment for all ages. 2014 official Riverfest sponsors included Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. FINAL RIVERFEST DAYS PACKED WITH RIVER EVENTS, MUSIC, FAMILY FUN WICHITA, Kan., June 6, 2014 – The final two days for Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community gathering, are set to include four major concerts, great river events, family activities, contests and competitions, all free with a $5 or $3 admission button. “It’s been great to see everyone enjoying Riverfest with their friends and families,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Whether they came down for the Wagonmasters’ River Tour, to get in a kayak or paddle boat, ride the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, check out the Cox Kids Corner activities, or just grab a bite to eat and listen to a great musical performance, our volunteers rolled out the red carpet so they could have a wonderful time.” More than 100 festival events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com and detailed on the new Riverfest Pointsmap, sponsored by Intrust Bank, accessible from mobile devices. EVENTS FOR TODAY: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY: SELECTED DAILY EVENTS: The 43rd Riverfest takes place through Saturday and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. 2014 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. A ROARING START AND WEEKDAY FUN AT RIVERFEST 2014 WICHITA, Kan., June 3, 2014 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community gathering, continues this week with amped up events and concerts for all tastes, free with a $5 or $3 admission button. “Opening weekend was a blast,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We are so excited to see such robust concert crowds on Kennedy Plaza and at WaterWalk as well as families and friends enjoying themselves at events like the Cardboard Regatta and World Record Attempt: Longest Line of Bicycles” More than 100 festival events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com and are detailed on the new Riverfest Pointsmap, sponsored by Intrust Bank, which festivalgoers can access from their mobile devices. EVENTS FOR TUESDAY, June 3: EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, June 4: EVENTS FOR THURSDAY, June 5:
The 43rd Riverfest takes place Friday through June 7 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. 2014 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. TAMELA MANN TO HEADLINE GOSPELFEST AT RIVERFEST 2014 WICHITA, Kan., May 30, 2014 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community gathering, is hosting an expanded Gospelfest event Monday, featuring Gospel star and well-known actress, Tamela Mann, the first national headliner for the event in seven years. Mann, winner of the 2014 Stellar Award as Best Female Gospel Artist of the Year, began her career as a singer with gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. On tracks such as "Don't Take Your Joy Away" and "Lean on Me,” she worked with Mary J. Blige, R.Kelly, Bono and other artists. She is also known for her television, film and stage career, which has included multiple appearances in the role of Cora in Tyler Perry’s works such as, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea’s Family Reunion, Meet the Browns and others. Mann’s songs "Father Can You Hear Me" and "Take It To Jesus" were on the Diary of a Mad Black Woman soundtrack. Mann and her husband of 25 years, David Mann, known for his role as Deacon Leroy Brown in several of Perry’s works, have their own record label and a television cooking show called, Hanging with the Manns. “We’re privileged and excited to bring a star of Mrs. Mann’s caliber to Wichita,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., “and thanks to a broad range of generous supporters, we are able to offer this to our community just for the price of a Riverfest button.” Lead sponsors for the event include Spirit AeroSystems, Westar Energy, Cox Business and the Greater Wichita Ministerial League. Promotional partners include KMUW and The Community Voice. Choir director Jay Terrell and many area choirs and other performers will round out Gospelfest, which begins at 5 p.m. on Riverfest’s Kennedy Plaza stage. Mann will perform at 8:30 p.m. “In recent years, Gospelfest has had audiences of between 5,000 and 7,000,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, Chairperson of the Board for Wichita Festivals. “We look forward to an even bigger night this year, thanks to Spirit, Westar and Cox Business, plus all the churches, service organizations and individuals who stepped up to support our efforts to make this an inclusive, first-class event.” Gospelfest supporters also include Jackson Mortuary; Real Men Real Heroes; St. Mark United Methodist Church; Tabernacle Bible, the Church without Walls; Martin Event Services; Beta Kappa Omega Chapter, AKA Sorority; Ebony S. Clemons Piano Studio; Free Full Gospel Church; Gamma Chi Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Ro sorority; Greater Wichita Pan-Hellenic Council; Kappa Alpha Psi; Mount Gilead Baptist Church; Omega Psi Phi; Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, Alpha Nu Boulé; Urban League of Kansas; U.S. Small Business Administration; Wichita Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Wichita Chapter of LINKS; Wichita Chapter, NAACP; Wichita Black Arts Festival, Wichita State University Multicultural Affairs Office; Prisca Barnes; Kaye Monk-Morgan; Mark McCormick and Yolanda White. For 2014, official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. Riverfest 2014 takes place through June 7 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 43rd year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations.
RIVERFEST SET TO OPEN WITH A BANG WICHITA, Kan., May 29, 2014 – Riverfest, Kansas’ largest community gathering, kicks off Friday with high-profile events designed to celebrate the best of both local and national talent, open to all for a $5 or $3 admission button. “The events of Riverfest are a generous gift to the community from our sponsors, partners and volunteers,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “Thanks to them, we get to fire up the concert stages, activate the river and an engaging festival zone, and roll out the red carpet for hundreds of thousands of attendees.” More than 100 festival events and attractions are outlined on wichitariverfest.com and are detailed on the new Riverfest PointsMap, sponsored by Intrust Bank, which festivalgoers can access from their mobile devices. EVENTS RUNNING DAILY: EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, May 30: EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, May 31: EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, June 1: The 43rd Riverfest takes place Friday through June 7 and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. 2014 official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. RIVERFEST PARTNERS, SPONSORS ENABLE WORLD-CLASS FESTIVAL Sponsorship Support up 14 Percent; Program Collaborations Put Riverfest Among Top Outdoor Events Worldwide WICHITA, Kan., May 27, 2014 – Riverfest is Kansas’ largest community gathering and ranks among leading outdoor events worldwide, thanks to supporters that fund and help organize its concerts and other activities that draw hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers. Funding from Riverfest’s nearly 200 sponsors – the only element of the festival’s performance known before the event – is up 14 percent from 2013’s total, which was 11 percent higher than in 2012, said Jarvis. In 2013, Riverfest sold nearly 105,000 admission buttons and had 360,000 total attendees. Over the years, the economic impact of Riverfest has been estimated at between $25 and $30 million. “When thinking about the ways Wichita is world class – our role in aviation, entrepreneurship, etc. – you might not think of Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “But each year it’s ranked by Pollstar as among the world’s largest festivals, and that’s because local companies and partners help us offer world-class concerts and programs, all for the cost of a Riverfest button.” “Events that have made the festival great – such as the Koch Industries Twilight Pops Concert, Capitol Federal Fireworks, Kansas Health Foundation River Run, Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River Concert and Cox Kids Corner – represent large gifts to the community from these companies. Plus, some wonderful additions for 2014 are the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, the Westar Energy Laser Light Spectacular, and a day-long Salute to Aviation supported by the City of Wichita and aviation companies including Airbus, Beechcraft, Cessna, Learjet and Spirit AeroSystems,” said Jarvis. “Our partners – more than 75 of them – have really thrown their support behind us this year,” said Ann Keefer, WFI’s vice president of programming. “They’ve brought us new events like Old Town Throwdown (a crossfit challenge), Archery Tag, Beach Volleyball, and a high-profile Gospelfest. In addition, they bring us favorites like the Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social, Jet Ski races, CNH’s Buckaroo-Buckarette Rodeo, Wichita Children’s Theater, and a Music Theatre of Wichita showcase. “As a bonus, several Riverfest activities have a component that benefits our community, such as the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, the Goodwill Cajun Food Fest, Numana’s Meals on the Midway, and the Fit ‘n’ Fun Zone that the Health and Wellness Coalition has helped us program to engage and encourage people to stay active and healthy,” said Keefer. Also, local media organizations – such as Clear Channel Radio, KAKE, Connoisseur Media, Entercom Communications, Journal Broadcasting, KSN, Clear Channel Outdoor, KSAS Fox-TV, KWCH/Sunflower Broadcasting, Wichita magazine, KWLS, Mid-America Ag Network, 99.7 LiteFM, GoWichita and KMUW 89.1 FM – are promotional partners with Riverfest. These partners help publicize festival events and help organize programming, such as the KAKELand Touch-a-Truck event and KSN’s official Riverfest weather forecasts. - more - For 2014, official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. Other major sponsors include the City of Wichita; Koch Industries, Inc.; Capitol Federal; Spirit AeroSystems; Cox Communications; the Kansas Health Foundation; Westar Energy; the Coleman Company; the Kansas Lottery; St. Francis Community Services, and WaterWalk/Consolidated Holdings. Riverfest 2014 takes place Friday through June 7 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 43rd year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available now – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations.
RIVERFEST PARTNERS, SPONSORS ENABLE WORLD-CLASS FESTIVAL Sponsorship Support up 14 Percent; Program Collaborations Put Riverfest Among Top Outdoor Events Worldwide WICHITA, Kan., May 27, 2014 – Riverfest is Kansas’ largest community gathering and ranks among leading outdoor events worldwide, thanks to supporters that fund and help organize its concerts and other activities that draw hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers. Funding from Riverfest’s nearly 200 sponsors – the only element of the festival’s performance known before the event – is up 14 percent from 2013’s total, which was 11 percent higher than in 2012, said Jarvis. In 2013, Riverfest sold nearly 105,000 admission buttons and had 360,000 total attendees. Over the years, the economic impact of Riverfest has been estimated at between $25 and $30 million. “When thinking about the ways Wichita is world class – our role in aviation, entrepreneurship, etc. – you might not think of Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “But each year it’s ranked by Pollstar as among the world’s largest festivals, and that’s because local companies and partners help us offer world-class concerts and programs, all for the cost of a Riverfest button.” “Events that have made the festival great – such as the Koch Industries Twilight Pops Concert, Capitol Federal Fireworks, Kansas Health Foundation River Run, Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River Concert and Cox Kids Corner – represent large gifts to the community from these companies. Plus, some wonderful additions for 2014 are the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, the Westar Energy Laser Light Spectacular, and a day-long Salute to Aviation supported by the City of Wichita and aviation companies including Airbus, Beechcraft, Cessna, Learjet and Spirit AeroSystems,” said Jarvis. “Our partners – more than 75 of them – have really thrown their support behind us this year,” said Ann Keefer, WFI’s vice president of programming. “They’ve brought us new events like Old Town Throwdown (a crossfit challenge), Archery Tag, Beach Volleyball, and a high-profile Gospelfest. In addition, they bring us favorites like the Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social, Jet Ski races, CNH’s Buckaroo-Buckarette Rodeo, Wichita Children’s Theater, and a Music Theatre of Wichita showcase. “As a bonus, several Riverfest activities have a component that benefits our community, such as the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, the Goodwill Cajun Food Fest, Numana’s Meals on the Midway, and the Fit ‘n’ Fun Zone that the Health and Wellness Coalition has helped us program to engage and encourage people to stay active and healthy,” said Keefer. Also, local media organizations – such as Clear Channel Radio, KAKE, Connoisseur Media, Entercom Communications, Journal Broadcasting, KSN, Clear Channel Outdoor, KSAS Fox-TV, KWCH/Sunflower Broadcasting, Wichita magazine, KWLS, Mid-America Ag Network, 99.7 LiteFM, GoWichita and KMUW 89.1 FM – are promotional partners with Riverfest. These partners help publicize festival events and help organize programming, such as the KAKELand Touch-a-Truck event and KSN’s official Riverfest weather forecasts. - more - For 2014, official Riverfest sponsors include Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. Other major sponsors include the City of Wichita; Koch Industries, Inc.; Capitol Federal; Spirit AeroSystems; Cox Communications; the Kansas Health Foundation; Westar Energy; the Coleman Company; the Kansas Lottery; St. Francis Community Services, and WaterWalk/Consolidated Holdings. Riverfest 2014 takes place Friday through June 7 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 43rd year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Riverfest admission buttons are available now – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations.
DONORS REQUESTED TO HELP THOSE IN NEED GET TO RIVERFEST Celebrations for a Cause Program Allows Festival to be Inclusive To date, about $3,500 has been collected for this effort, with nearly 1,000 buttons distributed to local and regional charities. Many more agencies have requested buttons, and donors are requested to give online at wichitariverfest.com or by contacting Wichita Festivals at 267-2817. Agencies including the 22nd ARW at McConnell Air Force Base, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, DUI Victims Center of Kansas, Envision, International Rescue Commission, Kansas Humane Society, KETCH, Starkey, the Wichita Children’s Home and three area churches have been allotted buttons for their families and clients. “We are looking for additional generous donors for this program, because we want more of these worthy members of our community to be able to join us at Riverfest,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. Companies donating to the effort so far in 2014 include Brand Plumbing, Inc.; Carey, Thomas, Hoover & Breault, Inc.; Comfort Care Homes; IT Kansas; Mitchell Media; P.B. Hildale Co., Inc.; and Wichita Federal Credit Union. Individual donors include Steve Dillard, Bob Dool, Helene Longhofer, and Ron Ryan, as well as members of the Riverfest Operations Committee and the Wichita Wagonmasters. Celebrations for a Cause was reintroduced in 2013 as part of the effort to ensure Riverfest would be an inclusive community event. The nine-day festival takes place Friday through June 7 in downtown Wichita. Celebrating its 43rd year, the festival offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, including concerts, sports activities, fireworks, the Cox Kids’ Corner and much more. Riverfest admission buttons are available now – $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12 – at Dillons, QuikTrip and AAA locations. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. Meritrust Tot Trot Artwork Competition Winner Announced WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita Festivals, Inc. (WFI), parent organization of Riverfest, announced the winner of the Meritrust Tot Trot Artwork Competition today at an assembly held at Seltzer Elementary School. Second grader Amya Xayavong from Seltzer was named overall winner of the competition.More than 1,200 contest entries were received from Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders representing seven area public and parochial schools. Amya’s design will be featured on the T-shirt provided to each Meritrust Tot Trot entrant. The Meritrust Tot Trot is a component of the Kansas Health Foundation River Run, a signature event of Riverfest. Amya received a $50 gift certificate as well as a framed t-shirt of her winning design. Art instructor Marcia Scurfield received a $100 gift certificate as well as a framed T-shirt. Each of Amya’s classmates received a complimentary Meritrust Tot Trot entry. Colvin Elementary won a $400 prize for most entries in the competition (Amy Lawson). Second place winner was Seltzer Elementary (Marcia Scurfield), and third place went to St. Francis of Assisi School (Lisa Lang). Individual winners in each grade division also win prizes; 1st place winners won a $50 gift certificate, 2nd place winners received a $25 gift certificate, and 3rd place winners received a $10 gift certificate. Division competition winners are as follows: Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade Tot Trot, an official Riverfest event, is sponsored by Meritrust Credit Union. The event is a fun run for children aged two to seven, where everyone who crosses the finish line receives a medallion. The Meritrust Tot Trot will begin at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, May 31 on the Lewis Street Bridge in downtown Wichita. Registrants receive an event T-shirt and Riverfest button. Registration for the event begins May 2 at select Meritrust locations, GoRun locations and Wichita Festivals, 444 E. William. Entry forms are available on line at www.wichitariverfest.com. Special thanks to official Riverfest sponsors: Bud Light, Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. MUSIC HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR RIVERFEST A wide variety of favorite musical acts are all free with a Riverfest button The Wichita Symphony Orchestra will open the festival with the Koch Twilight Pops Concert featuring Music Theatre of Wichita on Kennedy Plaza. This popular tradition follows the Sundown Parade and is a prelude to the Capitol Federal Fireworks. Roots rockers Moreland & Arbuckle will perform at WaterWalk Pavilion that night. May 31, Jerrod Niemann will headline the Coleman Country Concert with Chuck Wicks as the opening act. Niemann, fast becoming a favorite on the country charts, was born in Harper, Kan., and raised in Liberal. “Drink to That All Night” is the hit single from Niemann’s new album, which will be released March 25. On Sunday, June 1, a day-long Salute to Aviation will culminate with rock legends Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Jett and her band were launched to major stardom when her cover of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” hit number one on the charts in 1982. “Crimson and Clover,” ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You,” ‘Do You Wanna Touch Me,” and “Bad Reputation” are just a few of her most popular hits. She has three albums that are certified Platinum or Gold. Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash will DJ the Wet & Wild Neon Dance Party on Wednesday, June 4. This multi-generational dance party will feature a variety of water elements to beat the heat and stars the front man of the Furious Five, who topped the charts with “The Message” in 1982 and brought hip-hop to the mainstream. Kelley Hunt will bring her special brand of R&B-laced blues – and her Wichita CD-release party – to the Thursday, June 5, Cajun festivities on Kennedy Plaza. An accomplished guitarist, piano player, vocalist and songwriter, Hunt was born in Kansas City and has a dedicated following throughout the United States and Europe. A Red Dirt Country concert will kick it out on the WaterWalk Pavilion stage that night. On June 6, The Indie Showcase on Kennedy Plaza will feature The Mowgli’s and Wild Child. On the WaterWalk stage, eighties power pop group The Romantics will perform their string of chart-toppers, including “Talking in Your Sleep,” “One in a Million” and “What I Like About You.” Saturday night, June 7, the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ On the River concert brings Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg to rock downtown Wichita with their critically-acclaimed roadshow tribute to America’s punk heroes, The Ramones. Austin-based blues/funk soul act Black Joe Lewis will open the show. A closing night extravaganza worthy of Riverfest 2014’s theme, “Hoopla in Doo-Dah!,” will feature a laser light show and the March Forth Marching Band from Portland, Ore. A number of local and regional acts will also perform at Riverfest 2014, including O’Phil, Vagabond Swing, Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy, DJ Carbon, Green River Ordinance, Honkey Suckle, Timmy Jonas & The Whiskey Militia, Soleb Theory, Japanese Game Show, Peculiar Pretzlemen, Nouveau Quintette, Choro Cats and many others. In addition to the Kennedy Plaza and WaterWalk Pavilion stages, the Century II Food Court stage and Star Lumber Floating stage at A. Price Woodard Park will be activated throughout the festival. Gospel Fest and Golden World interfaith concerts on Monday, June 2; a classic country concert and a Throwback Day concert on Tuesday, June 3 are planned with performers to be announced. Admission to all Riverfest concerts is free with a Riverfest button. Adult buttons are $5, and children’s buttons (available while supplies last for kids ages 6-12) are $3. Riverfest buttons will be available at major button retailors (Dillons, QuikTrip, AAA) beginning May 9. Ron Ryan is Admiral Windwagon Smith XLI, Ambassador for Riverfest 2014 43rd Riverfest is set to include Aviation Salute, return of Hot Air Balloons, a giant Ferris Wheel, More! “Ron is going to be an amazing Admiral,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “He is not only an energetic and inspiring business leader, he has been a thorough and tireless supporter of our events over the years. We couldn’t ask for a better advocate for our community and this great event that brings us all together each year.” Ryan, through his business, Ryan International Airlines, sponsored the festival’s opening-night Sundown Parade for years and has volunteered at and supported Riverfest as a 27-year member of the Wichita Wagonmasters. He was instrumental in bringing the Wagonmaster’s River Tours to the festival in 2012 and 2013. “I feel extremely lucky and privileged and an awesome sense of responsibility, as Riverfest is such an important event in our community,” Ryan said. “I look forward to meeting kids of all ages, and trust that the 2014 festival will bring good memories for many people – especially families. There is no better bargain in the world than a Riverfest button.” Ryan, as the official ambassador of Riverfest 2014, will visit children in local hospitals, speak to Wichita civic organizations and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest, May 30-June 7. He will be assisted by the 2014 Prairie Schooner Mates, who he introduced at today’s event. These high school juniors are selected by their schools to be youth ambassadors for Riverfest. In addition to revealing the admiral’s identity, Jarvis also shared some news items for Riverfest 2014: “How fitting that we’re dedicating a day to honoring our aviation industry and heritage in a year when our Admiral is a pilot and an aviation entrepreneur and enthusiast?” Jarvis said. “We’re planning a lineup of events and activities that will include something for everyone, whether you’re a member of Wichita’s aviation community or simply a proud citizen of the Air Capital.” Riverfest headliner concerts will be on both the Kennedy Plaza and WaterWalk Pavilion stages throughout the festival. There will also be musical performances on the Star Lumber Floating Stage, on the Arkansas River in A. Price Woodard Park, and the Food Court stage, by Century II drive. The concert line-up will be released at noon on Monday, March 17 at Wichitariverfest.com, on the Wichita River Festival Facebook page and through Riverfest’s media partners. Riverfest buttons will be available at retail locations (Dillons, QuikTrip, AAA) starting May 9. “Riverfest is a chance for families to share fun and entertainment in a healthy and safe environment while spending very little money,” Ryan said. “Families are the fabric that holds our community, state and country together. Even in this electronic age, we want families and generations to be able to share meaningful time together. Riverfest provides a terrific opportunity for togetherness and memory-building.” Here are this year’s Prairie Schooner Mates: JOIN THE ‘HOOPLA IN DOO-DAH!’ AT RIVERFEST 2014 Iconic button and poster artwork unveiled; first peek at the 2014 festival Wichita-based artist Scott Dawson won this year’s button and poster artwork competition, besting 29 other artists with his colorful depiction of a leaping harlequin celebrating amid confetti and fireworks with the Wichita skyline in the background. “Scott’s artwork with its bright color palette and movement says ‘celebrate,’ and we are excited to help Wichita do just that at this year’s world-class festival,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President/CEO of Wichita Festivals. “The poster and button art really capture the energy of this year’s theme, Hoopla in Doo-Dah!” Harley, the 2014 festival mascot, and his fish pal, Skip, will adorn all manner of promotional materials and merchandise and invite festival-goers to the largest community celebration in the state of Kansas: Riverfest 2014, May 30-June 7. A version of the poster artwork will be featured on the $5 adult button. The $3 child’s button, which was introduced for kids 6-12 in 2013, will feature Skip. (As always, children 5 years old and younger get into the festival for free.) While supplies last, child buttons will be available at major button retailors, including AAA, Dillons and QuikTrip. Jarvis also shared a first peek at the upcoming festival, emphasizing that a strong musical line-up is planned. “We are booking a knock-out schedule of bands that features something for every taste, whether you love classic rock, country, classical, gospel, blues or bands on the top 40 charts right now. You can expect a wide variety of great performances, activities, sports competitions and cultural celebrations.” New events and fresh locations for favorite events are planned. “We will be moving the popular Kids Corner to the WaterWalk area, which is more easily maneuvered and gives families more room to play,” Jarvis said. “And we have a happy hour area for adults planned in A. Price Woodard Park, with music, food and drink tastings, and games like bocce ball and horseshoes. It will be a unique place for adults to relax on the river.” This playground for grown-ups has been dubbed Ackerman’s Backyard, after early-1900s Wichita businessman, Joseph Ackerman, on whose Ackerman’s Island the amusement center Wonderland offered entertainment from 1905 to 1918. “Two changes implemented in 2013 resulted in such positive response that we will embrace them again in 2014,” said Jarvis. “A more securely gated perimeter allowed the festival to maintain a safe environment and great energy for attendees of all ages. And again, nearly all Riverfest events, including every concert, will be free with your Riverfest button.” A freelance designer for more than 20 years, Dawson lives and works in Wichita. His work has been commissioned by many companies, advertising agencies, and design firms around the world. A three-time winner of the poster art contest, Dawson’s other winning designs featured a butterfly motif in 2011 and a swan constructed of musical instruments in 1992. The artist received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wichita State University, with continued studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and Art Center School of Design in Pasadena, Calif. “My idea was to represent every festival-goer with this harlequin-like figure, jumping and partying along the river in downtown Wichita with a little fish buddy,” said artwork contest winner Dawson. “Taking a figurative approach proved somewhat difficult, since you don’t want to alienate anyone based on gender or race. Having blue skin that blends into a multi-patterned outfit, this character ought to be tough to find in reality. He’s definitely imaginary, but still human enough that we all can relate to some degree.” A group of design professionals judged the competition and selected Dawson’s design. Representatives of Emprise Bank, the sponsor of the 2014 Artwork Contest, and Docuplex, sponsor of the 2014 Riverfest poster, presented Dawson with the $3,500 award for the winning design. Due to a strong response in 2013, Wichita Festivals will continue the Celebrations for a Cause program, through which businesses and individuals can purchase Riverfest buttons for donation to Wichita charities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Wichita Children’s Home, Starkey, KETCH and others. The Riverfest 2014 concert line-up will be released on March 17 via social media and Riverfest’s many media partners. Buttons for Riverfest 2014 go on sale at wichitariverfest.com on March 14, and will be available at retail locations beginning May 9. Discounted early bird registration for Kansas Health Foundation River Run has begun and will continue through Feb. 28.
WICHITA FESTIVALS' INVITATION: ‘BRING YOUR PASSION TO RIVERFEST' Dec. 2, 2013 - WICHITA, Kan. – Planning for Riverfest 2014 is underway and Wichita Festivals, Inc. is reaching out to individuals and businesses with this message: “Bring Your Passion to Riverfest.” “What do you love? Is it chess or bridge? Disc golf or horseshoes? Stepping or tango-dancing? Or do you have a musical or artistic talent to share? A product to sell? A group of co-workers who’d like to do something fun together? You can bring what you’re passionate about to the ‘big stage’ of Riverfest and share your interests or business with thousands of friends and neighbors,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Wichita Festivals’ president and CEO. The not-for-profit organization that produces Riverfest, WFI is asking those who live in and around Wichita to take a role in the festival, the largest celebration of its kind in the state of Kansas. Citizens can get involved in many ways: “The success of this world-class festival has always come from the energy, talents, organizational skills, and volunteer time that people share with us,” said Jarvis. “This community celebration is truly the sum of ideas and support from all walks of life in Wichita.” Participation forms are available online at WichitaRiverfest.com. On the website, entertainers, vendors, artists, event organizers, volunteers and others can download forms, get details on how to participate, or contact Wichita Festivals’ staff for more information. NEW DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ON BOARD AT WICHITA FESTIVALS, INC. Nov. 20, 2013 - WICHITA, Kan.– Barry Schwan and Gary Austerman have joined the board of directors of Wichita Festivals, Inc. The newly installed 2013-14 slate of officers for the 17-member board includes Chair Kaye Monk-Morgan, Chair-elect Chris Goebel, Secretary Prisca Barnes and Treasurer Alan Howarter. Immediate past Chair, Bill Gardner, remains as part of the leadership team as well. EMPRISE BANK HELPS LAUNCH ARTWORK CONTEST FOR RIVERFEST 2014 Submissions of Poster, Button Art around “Hoopla in Doo-Dah” Theme Due December 27 October 29, 2013 - WICHITA, Kan .– Sponsor Emprise Bank and Wichita Festivals, Inc. have put out the call for local artists and graphic designers to propose Riverfest 2014 poster and button designs built around the theme, “Hoopla in Doo-Dah.” “We are pleased to be involved with Riverfest once again as sponsor of the poster artwork contest,” said Mike Michaelis, Chairman of Emprise Bank. “It fits well with our passion for the arts, and we look forward to seeing the winning artwork. The judges won’t have an easy task.” The artist who submits the selected artwork will receive a $3,500 cash prize. All artists 18 years of age or older are invited to participate, regardless of where they reside. No fee is required to enter. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, to be eligible. “Every year, Riverfest is Wichita’s biggest backyard party. It brings citizens of all ages and backgrounds together to usher in the summer and celebrate our city,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “Who wouldn’t want to create the artwork that will be the central image for such an iconic event?” The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2014 poster, buttons, T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in advertisements for the nine-day annual community celebration, scheduled for May 30-June 7, 2014 in downtown Wichita. Complete information about the contest, including the application form, can be downloaded at WichitaRiverfest.com as of Oct. 29, 2013.
COMMUNITY EMBRACES REINVIGORATED RIVERFEST Most buttons sold since 2008; Overall results very positive July 25, 2013 - WICHITA, Kan .– Final results for Riverfest 2013 released by Wichita Festivals, Inc. today affirm this year’s event was safe, well-attended and a financial success. According to Wichita Festivals, Inc. President and CEO, Mary Beth Jarvis, button sales were up 38 percent from 2012 and, at 104,000, are the highest they’ve been since 2008’s 125,000. Sponsorship revenue for Riverfest was up 15 percent from 2012. A new “Riverfest Corporate Hosts” program for small to medium-sized businesses and several new brand and event partners accounted for much of the increase. More than 125 sponsors and media partners provided support. Riverfest 2013, which had approximately 360,000 total attendees, saw new events added to the lineup and some old favorites reinstated. The festival perimeter was more thoroughly gated than in recent years, and the policy requiring attendees to wear a button was more strictly enforced. ‘These changes contributed to an outstanding security record, according to our partners at the Wichita Police Department, and helped our attendees enjoy Riverfest activities together with their friends and neighbors inside the festival zone,” Jarvis said. “Downtown never feels more alive than during Riverfest, and this year's celebration was a great one,” said Wichita City Council member Janet Miller. “Citizens and visitors alike enjoyed the entertainment and cultural events in a safe, welcoming environment, thanks to great work by Riverfest volunteers and collaboration with area attractions and City departments." City Council member Lavonta Williams added, “It was wonderful to see so many people return to Riverfest this year. I’m especially delighted to see the efforts made to include a broad range of citizens and make people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome. Riverfest 2013 felt truly like a community celebration. Congratulations to Mary Beth and her staff for a successful, fun event.” This year, 4,462 volunteers donated nearly 18,000 hours of time to tasks ranging from selling buttons and cleaning tables to driving forklifts and loading kids into paddle boats. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of Riverfest. They make it all happen,” said Todd Johnson, the 40th person to don the iconic hat, sword and red jacket of Riverfest’s most visible ambassador, Admiral Windwagon Smith. Because of the lower-priced children’s buttons and the discounted buttons donated via the festival’s charity program, button revenue rose by only 29 percent. “The price breaks made a real difference in our revenue, but we believe in these initiatives,” said Jarvis. “We sold 14,000 of the new children’s buttons and got great feedback from families. In addition, nearly 4,300 worthy citizens who may not otherwise have had a chance to enjoy Riverfest were our guests, thanks to donors giving nearly $15,000 to the Cessna Aircraft Company Celebrations for a Cause program.” One negative measure in 2013 was corporate button sales, which were down 20 percent, reaching their lowest level in years. “For 2014, we will focus on recruiting additional Riverfest Corporate Hosts and connecting better with Wichita businesses who may be interested in team-building and volunteer opportunities, as well as button purchases, for their employees,” said Jarvis. Festival organizers plan to approach employers earlier, particularly downtown businesses and organizations whose workers were surprised by the renewed emphasis on having buttons to access the festival zone, including the food court. The mix of old and new events helped to energize this year’s festival and brought many comparisons to the “feel” and “spirit” of previous successful years. Attendees applauded the return of festival favorites including Cajun Food Fest and the Block Party. New events such as the Cardboard Regatta, Admirals’ Armada, Envision Celebrate Abilities and Touch-A-Truck showed great promise for becoming tomorrow’s cherished traditions. Programming for targeted demographics – including Senior AM, Smallgrass films, and the Neon Dance Party – and offering amenities such as the Bike Valet and discounts to local museums & attractions proved extremely popular too. “The staff and I are so grateful for all the help, support and advice we’ve gotten so far,” Jarvis said. “We will continue listening, so we can keep this great community celebration growing. We look forward to planning a 2014 Riverfest that is fun and engaging for people of all ages and offers even more interactive and memorable experiences in the festival zone.” Riverfest Official Sponsors: Bombardier Learjet, Bud Light, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Metro Courier, Midwest Ford Dealers, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi, and PraireLand Partners. # # # For additional information on Riverfest 2013 results, see the post-festival news release detailing day-by-day attendance and other highlights, as well as the Cessna Aircraft Company Celebrations for a Cause summary release. For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or [email protected] .
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