Ron McEwen is Admiral Windwagon Smith LII 

Ambassador of Riverfest 2026, a community advocate and Wagonmaster. 

Tháng Một 29, 2026 – WICHITA, Kan. – At the Drury Hotel Riverfest unveiled Ron McEwen as the 52^nd Admiral of the Wichita Riverfest.  

The 2026 Prairie Schooner Mates, hand-picked exceptional high school juniors, were announced alongside the Admiral. 

The ceremonial passing of the sword, an iconic element of the Admiral’s uniform, is traditionally handed down from the outgoing Admiral to the incoming one. In 2025, Admiral 51 Alan Howarter unexpectedly passed away shortly after Riverfest. In a meaningful tribute, Howarter’s daughters upheld the tradition by presenting the sword to McEwen in honor of their father.  

“Becoming Admiral is the highest honor that we can bestow on a prime member of our community. We are excited to continue our journey of the Admiral in festival leadership,” said BreAnna Monk, President & CEO of Wichita Festivals.  

McEwen started his personal Riverfest journey long ago. Riverfest served as a date night with his now wife Lisa. The couple would camp out on the banks during the festival early on in their relationship.  

The personal connection doesn’t stop there. McEwen’s daughter Dani was a Prairie Schooner Mate in 2016. He credits the experience Dani had as a Schooner Mate with bringing her out of her shell, making life-long friendships, and helping guide her current career path as a teacher in Wichita. 

Outside of Riverfest McEwen is a frequent flyer with Kansas Honor Flights, serving as a sponsor to veterans who don’t have anyone to go with. McEwen also served on the board and spends many hours with Wichita’s Littles Heroes. Lastly, McEwen is also a current board member of Wichita Festivals Inc and an active member of the Sponsorship Committee.   

“Ron was chosen as Admiral 52 because of his long-time commitment to our community through his involvement with Riverfest, Wagonmasters, and his church just to name a few. He is a proven leader in our community and respected business owner” said Todd Johnson, Fleet Admiral.