April 12, 2025 — WICHITA, Kan. — Against the backdrop of bowling pins crashing at Bowlero
Northrock, one of his favorite hangouts, Alan Howarter, was officially unveiled as the 51st Admiral Windwagon Smith, a prestigious role in the Wichita River Festival.
Howarter’s journey with Riverfest began 45 years ago when he volunteered as a purple shirt in the festival’s food court, initially intending to give back for just nine days of fun. Decades later, his commitment to the festival remains unwavering.
A passionate participant, Howarter has competed in over fifteen 10K River Runs and was part of a “poorman’s team” that raced in four years of the festival’s bathtub races, even securing a third-place finish. His team proudly claims to have built the first propeller-driven bathtub boat in Riverfest history.
A proud native of Dodge City, Kansas, Howarter graduated from Dodge City High School in 1974 before attending St. Mary’s of the Plains College and later transferring to Wichita State University, where he earned his degree Magna Cum Laude in 1978 with an emphasis in Accounting.
Howarter launched his career in public accounting with the Wichita office of Elmer Fox, Westheimer & Company, joining their audit department. He earned his CPA license in Kansas in 1980 and later in Arizona. As the firm evolved into Grant Thornton, Howarter’s leadership flourished. He served as lead campus recruiter, an instructor for the firm’s National Training Programs, and eventually Partner and Audit Department Head of the Wichita office. After a distinguished career, he retired from Grant Thornton in 2004.
In 2006, Howarter took on a new challenge, joining Vess Oil Corporation as Vice President of Financial Reporting. In this role, he oversees accounting for more than 60 related entities, including SEC reporting for two publicly sponsored royalty trusts—a position he continues to hold today.
Beyond his professional career, Howarter has been a pillar of the Wichita community. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards, often as treasurer, including the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Heartspring, St. Vincent de Paul Endowment Association, Public Library Foundation, Great Plains USBC Bowling Association, Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas, and the Kansas Society of CPAs.
Todd Johnson, Head of Past Admiral Windwagon Smiths, praised Howarter’s dedication stating, “Alan has a real passion for the event and to service. He will represent us well.”
The tradition of Admiral Windwagon Smith dates back to 1974, when John Bell first wore the red coat during the third Riverfest, then known as the Wichitennial River Festival. Now 51 years later, Alan Howarter continues this rich tradition, officially introduced at Bowlero Northrock alongside the announcement of the 2025 Prairie Schooner Mates.
History of Prairie Schooner Mates
The Prairie Schooner Mates serve as youth ambassadors for Riverfest, representing Wichita and surrounding communities. Originally, this role was limited to high school senior girls in western attire, but the program has since expanded to include both male and female high school juniors from private and public schools.
Prairie Schooner Mates accompany the Admiral at public engagements, civic events, and volunteer activities throughout the festival. Each member contributes at least 100 hours of community service, reinforcing their commitment to Wichita’s largest celebration.
The 2025 Prairie Schooner Mates:
Isabella Hunsberger – Andover Central High School
Emma Jittawait – Andover High School
Laine Graf – Bishop Carroll High School
Avery Kassman – Campus High School
Julia Koehn – Circle High School
Rowan Ake – Derby High School
Madeline Watson – Goddard Eisenhower High School
Brody Cole – Goddard High School
Mason Collins – Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
Isabella Ponce – Maize South High School
Landon Hauschild – Northeast Magnet High School
Emily Penn – Sedgwick High School
Kyra Parris – Sunrise Christian Academy
Jack Roe – The Independent School
Danika Campo – Valley Center High School
Shelbie Emerson – Wichita Collegiate School
Dex Martinez – Wichita East High School
Israel Carter – Wichita Heights High School
Benjamin Bloyd – Wichita North High School
Noah Gegan – Wichita Northwest High School
Jane Nguyen – Wichita South High School
Kathy Nguyen – Wichita Southeast High School
Jocelyn Xiloj – Wichita West High School