Riverfest Donation Benefits Victory in the Valley

Wichita Festivals, Inc. made a $2,000 contribution to Victory in the Valley on behalf of the Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament held during Riverfest this year!

This was the fifth year for the tournament held in memory of Struble, long-time Riverfest volunteer and former WFI board chairman. "Bob was a great volunteer who bravely fought cancer for several years, so it's appropriate for us to make this contribution in his memory to an organization that helps cancer victims and survivors," explained Janet Wright, Wichita Festivals President/CEO.

Over 100 players participated in the tournament held May 10 at Willowbend Country Club. Funds raised came through hole contests held during the tournament and individual donations made by players.

"This is a fun tournament and everyone has a great time," noted Mark Moss, chairman of the tournament. "It just make it even better when we can make a donation of this size to an organization that really makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients."

Photo: Kathryn Ewing, WFI Director of Events; Diana Thomi, Executive Director Victory in the Valley; and Mark Moss, tournament chair.

Riverfest Volunteer Jim Griswold Galaxy Winner

Wichita Festivals, Inc. (WFI) and its volunteer commitee treated Riverfest volunteers to an appreciation social this past weekend!

Selection of the "Volunteer of the Year" award was announced and presented to Jim Griswold, a first year member of the operations committee. Griswold was presented with the Galaxy Award for outstanding service and commitment to WFI during Riverfest.

"It is difficult to pick one person from so many great volunteers to receive this award," noted Janet Wright, President/CEO. "But, Jim stood out. He spent countless hours before, during and after the festival helping. He's a great example of the true volunteer spirit."

Jim is senior vice-president of the Tom Lange Co.

Congratulations Jim!!!

See you next June.....

Wichita Festivals, Inc. announced this morning that the 2011 festival will be held June 3 - 11! The June timeframe will give more families the opportunity to enjoy the festivities without the conflict of end of year school activities, graduations, etc. We are really excited about the new date and look forward to seeing all of you next June!

A Big Thank You!

We wanted to thank EVERYONE who played a part in Riverfest 2010! From volunteers, to food vendors, to entertainers to YOU ... the attendees... We hope that you were able to come out and enjoy the Festival!

Yes, it was rainy. Yes, there were tornado sirens going off! And yes, at times, it seemed a little chilly for May! But we do live in the state that if you wait 10 minutes, the weather will change! We thank you for venturing out through the good and the bad!

We are excited to start planning for Riverfest 2011, the 40th Anniversary of the Festival! It will be a big year and a BIG party for the Festival and the City of Wichita... so we'll see you in a little less than 365 days!

Updates to Riverfest Schedule for Final Day

The final day of Riverfest will see only slight changes to the schedule due to the weather forecasted for today.

The Kansas Lottery 2nd Chance Drawing will be moved from the Douglas Street Bridge to inside Century II’s Exhibition Hall. Doors to Exhibition Hall will open at 6:00 pm and the drawing will take place at 6:30 pm.

The Koch Twilight Pops Concert will move indoors to the Century II Exhibition Hall also. The concert will begin at 8:30 pm. Please remember to bring chairs as they will not be provided.

The Capitol Federal Fireworks will go on as planned at 9:45 pm. Rain or shine!

Plunge will also go on as planned, beginning at 3:00 pm on the Arkansas River, between the Lewis and Douglas Street bridges.

The USAF Heartland of America Band, scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm at the Tripodal Grass Area near Century II, has been canceled.

Some elements of Cessna Kids Korner will be open. The inflatable and hard rides will open, weather permitting.

Portrait with the Admiral that was scheduled to take place on the Douglas Street Bridge at 6:00 pm will move to the overhang of Century II, adjacent to the Food Court.

All other events will go on as scheduled.

The Food Court at Century II will be open for business at 11:00 am. The Riverfest Marketplace will be open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm inside Century II’s Expo Hall. The Gospelfest that was rescheduled from Monday evening will begin at 12:30 pm inside Convention Hall at Century II. The Wichita Children’s Theatre will have three showings of “The Ugly Duckling” at Noon, 1:30 and 3:00 pm at Mary Jane Teall Theatre in Century II.

We'll see you out there!

The Admiral & His New Buddy

Come Out to See Joe Nichols!

Mother Nature might be showing her ugly face again soon in Downtown Wichita, but that will not stop us from continuing the party!

The Coleman Country Concert that was to take place on Kennedy Plaza Stage Wednesday evening has been moved indoors.

Come out at 6:00 pm and enjoy the sounds of Jonathon Singleton & The Grove, followed by headliner Joe Nichols at 7:30 pm.

Make sure you bring your comfy lawnchairs and find a good seat and enjoy three hours of great country music!

Remember: All of tonight's events are FREE with your Riverfest button... that is only $5 ... and can be purchased at the gate to the events, at the Festival Merchandise Store or at any Dillons, QuikTrip, Walgreens or Walmart in Wichita.