Saturday, May 16, 2009

Keeping the Groove

Well, the ninth day is here. The Admiral is happy to have met so many Wichitans and visitors from all over....last night's Oldies Concert brought to you by KEYN was a great evening even if we did need to go inside the Exhibition Hall.

GROOVE ALERT: You can keep it....or get it...today with a full schedule. Join the Admiral and Mrs. Admiral for the Via Christi Walkfest, the car show, take in PLUNGE sponsored by Aeroflex and finish with the Koch Industries Twilight Pops and Capitol Federal Fireworks. I've heard the sound track and it celebrates the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.

Be there and make a promise to be a part of this and furure Riverfests.

All for now, I'll have a post-Riverfest blog with my favorite memories. See you down by the river!

XXXVI

Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Royal Evening


The color purple is associated with royalty. As the prime color in Riverfest '09 materials, purple is PERFECT for tonight's Mardi Gras celebration which includes the ever-popular Cajun Food Fest sponsored by......Goodwill Industries Easter Seals of Kansas, Boeing IDS - Wichita, AT&T Yellow Pages and the American Culinary Federation - Wichita Chapter.

Kennedy Plaza's stage will be jumping with the LSI Big Easy, including the Mud Bugs and featured entertainer Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Billed as "zydeco maniacs", Chubby and his friends will PROCK RIVERFEST.

Admiral's tip: Arrive early to ensure that you get a heaping plate of Cajun grub, and to get transformed into bayou mode. And don't miss the bread pudding!

See you there.....
XXXVI

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Sprint to the Finish, Wednesday Through Saturday!


Tuesday update from The Admiral:
I forgot how cool the Art Museum is....lots of great exhibits for all ages.

Partying with the Naughty Astrounauts is fun...they like the Admiral, Operations and our Command Center. Turkey legs too!

Everyone is in town....I met Festivalgoers from Tajikistan, Indonesia, Russia, Scotland and Derby Monday and Tuesday.

.....ramping up for the second half of Riverfest including Wild Wild Wednesday, Cajun Food Fest and the Block Party.

Get your groove on, or keep it if you have it. As the Beatles sang in 1969, Here comes the Sun!

See you downtown for Wild Wild Wednesday and the KFDI Country Concert with Pat Green......

XXXVI

Monday, May 11, 2009

....Havin' too Much FUN!



Sunday
....time on our hands. The Prarie Schooner Mates and I killing time before introducing a concert at West Bank Stage. Never a lack of activity around them!

Botanica is in the afterglow of a slammin' Sunday, over three thousand people touring the gardens and seeing floral displays normally found only in books.

Monday
Today is a great day for the 4th annual Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of our dearly departed friend.......

The groove continues tonight, grab a bite at the Meritrust Food Court (today I will have that Philly steak sandwich) then slide by the adjacent Kennedy Plaza for the Senseney Music Battle of the Corporate Bands starting at 5:30 and running till about 9:30.

Thanks to all the crowds at the evening concerts this weekend. Several performers commented on the great Kansas rockers......no problems getting the groove on!

XXXVI

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Saturday ROCKS RIVERFEST!


The Admiral and Prairie Schooner Mates had a great day, in the afterglow of Friday night's high energy KANSAS concert. Update: Several band members were seen Saturday cruising the Art, Book & Craft Fair at Century II, looking to score some memetos....

.....highlights of Saturday:
Firing the cannon to start the Bank of America River Run 10K race, and watching son Scott cruise through the finish line hardly breaking a sweat(!)

Sharing breakfast with LOTS of Festivalgoers at the Admirals' Pancake Feed.

Hanging out with the Prairie Schooner Mates (PSMs) and just enjoying what Riverfest has to offer (see the photo...Shelbie and Alex scrambling up the Coconut Climb at Cessna Kids Korner. Admiral tried but didn't do so well....)

Texas Red's barbeque brisket sandwich and La Mesa enchiladas. Today: Probably Hoopingarners Philly steak sandwich.

SEE YOU THERE. Happy Mother's Day from The Admiral and PSMs
XXXVI

Friday, May 8, 2009

Riverfest Home Run - 1:30 AM Saturday Update

First friday included the opening of the Food Court, great mid-day music at the Food Court Stage, a Sundown Parade with over 100 entries and a HIGH ENERGY Opening Night Concert featuring the group Kansas, who seemed genuinely inspired to be playing here. The West Bank Stage was packed with enthusiastic Festivalgoers.

....to bed, big day tomorrow. See you all at the Loverboy concert!

XXXVI

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Admiral's Parade Tips


....for all you Westar Energy Sundown Parade lovers, here are a few "insider tips" from The Admiral:
1) Buy your button early. It completes your Riverfest wardrobe and allows access to the entire nine days.
2) Don't forget to "get your groove on" in celebration of this years' theme. Tie dye, anyone?
3) Select a prime viewing area. I always prefer something close to the reviewing stand, which is just East of the Meritrust Food Court, on Douglas.
4) Be considerate of your fellow Festivalgoers; don't block their sight lines.
5) DO NOT run into the street for any reason. Parents, especially watch your children.
6) After the parade, slide over to the West Bank Stage for the Opening Night Concert featuring KANSAS, followed by fireworks!
7) If you are going home after the parade, take your time dispersing and enjoy some people-watching. Consider hitting the food court for a tasty snack.

I'll see you there.....
XXXVI

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

You're not ready for takeoff until......


....until you have your Riverfest button on!

The Admiral has personally sold 39 buttons so far and is looking to cover the City. (Remember, your button purchase could help cover the cost of that porta-potty you need!) SERIOUSLY it's an investment in the community, please purchase your button and wear it proudly!

The Admiral has his Don Hattan wheels now, and is learning all the bells and whistles....so watch for him and give his ship a wide berth....

TWO PARTING MESSAGES
1) If you want to volunteer by selling buttons or ????? just call the ever-helpful Kim at Wichita Festivals, 267-2817 but do it today or tomorrow.

2) If you and three friends want to be part of THE place to be on Saturday May 16 (that is, on the river) be sure to sign up for PLUNGE, sponsored by Aeroflex. The entry fee is $200, open to a total of only 16 teams, and the first five teams at least recoup their investment. And you know, you can beat 11 other teams easily!

See you all soon
XXXVI

Monday, May 4, 2009

Thank Goodness it's Festival Friday!



The Prairie Schooner Mates and I look forward to seeing you downtown this Friday as we "Get our Groove" on for Riverfest 38. The Sundown Parade sponsored by Westar Energy rolls at 6:30 PM starting a great evening of events, with the KANSAS concert AND opening night fireworks at the West Bank Stage. All FREE with a Riverfest button.

Admiral's tip: Don't forget that the Meritrust Credit Union Food Court opens at 11 AM Friday so you can sample the menu, catch some tunes at the Team Toyota Food Court Stage and get fully in the mood for Riverfest.

XXXVI