Ron McEwen is Admiral Windwagon Smith LII
Ambassador of Riverfest 2026, a community advocate and Wagonmaster.
January 29, 2026 – WICHITA, Kan. – At the Drury Hotel Riverfest unveiled Ron McEwen as the 52nd 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.
History of Prairie Schooner Mates
The Prairie Schooner Mates serve as youth ambassadors for Riverfest, representing Wichita and surrounding communities.
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.
Your 2026 Prairie Schooner Mates:
Andover Central High School – McKenna Leivian
Andover High School – Rylie Nance
Bishop Carroll High School – Ana Maldonado
Bishop Carroll High School – Connor Hatcher
Campus High School – Rebeca Acosta
Circle High School – Cate Rogers
Derby High School – Sunnie Getchell
Goddard Eisenhower High School – London Heiman
Goddard High School – Madelynn Clark
Goddard High School – Riley Schoen
Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School – Molly Algya
Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School – Franklin Nguyen
Maize South High School – Mia McVay
Northeast Magnet High School – Alexis Abraham
Remington High School – Henry Eicher
Sedgwick High School – Raegan Jefferies
Sunrise Christian Academy – Mathew Chilewa
The Independent School – Lauren Egelhof
Valley Center High School – Claire Fouquet
Wichita Collegiate School – Carolina Villars
Wichita Collegiate School – Langston Ahmad
Wichita East High School – Willow Rice
Wichita East High School – Francesca Tartler
Wichita Heights High School – Amarii Bagley
Wichita North High School – Samuel Harville
Wichita North High School – Thomas Rohde
Wichita Northwest High School – Addyson Burns
Wichita South High School – Sadie Nguyen
Wichita Southeast High School – Jillian Schlenker
Wichita Southeast High School – Noemie Ibeawuchi
Wichita West High School – Jacobe Copes
Wichita West High School – Sheyla Sifuentes