Wichita
River Festival
What began as a one-day celebration with a couple thousand
people attending, has turned into an annual event with over 300,000 in
attendance. The community of Wichita embraces the Festival every year. Some
make it a family tradition to watch the Capitol Federal Fireworks on closing
night or cheer on their favorite antique bathtub as it races down the river.
For nine days in May the Festival is the community’s destination for food,
entertainment and a wide range of activities. While events have changed since
1970, the overall goal of a community celebration that includes something for
everyone is achieved year after year. |
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 Creating an
economic impact of approximately $26 million, Riverfest annually attracts more
than 300,000 visitors. The Festival has become one of the top special events in
Kansas and was recognized in 2006 as one of the top 100 events in the United
States by the American Bus Association.
Nine days of concerts and
entertainment await attendees for 2008. Opening weekend on the West Bank Stage
will feature Colbie Caillat, Friday, May 9. An admission of $10 at the gate
along with a Riverfest button is required. A Riverfest button will admit you to
all other concerts including: Bombardier Learjet Presents Legends of Rock with
Three Dog Night; Musica Latina with Little Joe y La Familia and Spirit
AeroSystems Presents Rockin’ on the River with WAR.
Here are some photographs from earlier Wichita River
Festival's.
The 2006 Wichita
River Festival launched with some of the nicest weather we've had in quite a
while. The food court is open giving festival goers a chance to sample a wide
variety of entre's and there is musical entertainment just about anywhere you
go.
 Several new vendors and
menu options will be available for Festival attendees to choose from. Beijing
Bistro will offer a variety of Asian cuisine including egg roll, lettuce wraps,
Teriyaki Chicken stick and fried rice. Griffin Tenderloins will feature a giant
tenderloin sandwich. Made 2 Grill Bratwurst and the Johnsonville Big Taste
Grill will offer bratwursts, hamburgers and berry kabobs. Tad’s Cajun
Chicken and Shrimp will feature fried chicken and shrimp on a stick.
 
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BEDLAM 500
Some of the craziest racing machines
lined up on Main Street for the Bedlam 500 bed races. This was the first year
I've attended this event and was a bit disappointed in the low number of
contestants and the resulting bevity of the event.
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More
About the River Festival
To
learn more about the Wichita River Festival including schedules of events, road
closings, news, etc., be sure to visit some of the following sites...
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More
about Wichita Kansas
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Planning Your
Wedding
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Opened in September 1997, is a state-of-the art 303
room Hyatt Regency connected to Century II Performing Arts and Convention
Center. Located downtown 
