FESTIVITIES
FALL 2013
41st
ADMIRAL’S REFLECTIONS . . . . . . PAGE 3 2013 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS . . . . PAGE 4 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT . . . . PAGE 5 AUTUMN & ART. . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6 AUTUMN & ART VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. . . . . . PAGE 7
Wichita Festivals, Inc. Board of Directors 2012-2013 Bill Gardner, Chair Gardner Design Kaye Monk-Morgan, Chair-Elect Wichita State University Lori Linenberger, Secretary-Treasurer Wichita State University Foundation Prisca Barnes Community Volunteer Clay Bastian Fidelity Financial Corporation Lathi de Silva Sullivan Higdon & Sink Gary Gibbs Retired Chris Goebel Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. Don Grant Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Esther Headley The Research Partnership, Inc. Richard Honeyman Hite, Fanning & Honeyman L.L.P. Alan Howarter Vess Oil Corporation Todd Johnson Protection One Jennifer Magana Sedgwick County Gavin R. Seiler Wichita Police Department Carol E. Wilson Independent Accountant
Wichita Festivals, Inc. Staff Mary Beth Jarvis President/CEO Lisa Hansen Vice President Finance Ann Keefer Vice President Program Development Adam Hartke Director of Events Teri Mott Director of Marketing and Communications Celia Cayless Director of Sales JaLayne Wray Accounting Manager Jill Massey Volunteer Coordinator
1820 East Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214 Tel 316.267.2817 Fax 316.267.5901 Toll-free 877.WFI.FEST www.wichitafestivals.com www.wichitariverfest.com
CEO’s Corner Riverfest 2013 is in the books, and we have much to celebrate, but also lots of room for learning and improvement. As best we can estimate, our total Riverfest attendance was 360,000 — up 30 percent from 2012. We sold 104,000 buttons — 38 percent more than 2012 and the highest total since 2008’s 125,000. Button revenue was up 29 percent. That’s a good number, but it does reflect the reduced entry cost for kids (we sold 14,000 of the new children’s buttons) and the discounted buttons in the Cessna Celebrations for a Cause program. However, we still feel good about what these initiatives add to our mission of bringing the community together at our events. Sponsorship revenue for Riverfest was up 15 percent from 2012, with the new Riverfest Corporate Hosts program and several new brand and event partners accounting for much of the increase. To succeed in 2014, we will work together with existing and new sponsors to ensure they see substantial value in investing in our mission. We will also strive to recruit more small and medium-sized businesses as event sponsors and Corporate Hosts. Another area for improvement is corporate button sales. They were down 20 percent, reaching their lowest level in years. In the months to come, we will focus on connecting better with Wichita businesses who may be interested in team-building and volunteer opportunities, as well as button purchases, for their employees. We believe workers, particularly downtown, will value buttons more highly given they will continue to be needed to access the festival zone. Above all, Riverfest 2013 was FUN. Families came and enjoyed the activities. People loved the quality and variety of the entertainment lineup. Attendees got more used to the button requirement as the festival went on, and the safe, secure environment we created was appreciated by many. The WFI staff, rookies and veterans alike, owe huge thanks to our generous Riverfest sponsors (all 125 of them!), valued collaborators (you know who you are!) and amazing volunteers (who gave their smarts and their sweat to the effort). Next up is Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. As this issue of Festivities illustrates, we’re well on our way to executing that as our next great event. I’m so grateful for all of you who make it possible for us unify and celebrate this great community. Thanks for all the wisdom you’ve shared, and all the love you continue to give to WFI. Mary Beth Jarvis President and CEO
SHOUT-OUT TO SPONSORS!
Nine days of food, games, music and all-around fun is a massive undertaking and without the help of Riverfest’s many supporters, none of it would be possible. More than 125 sponsors and media partners joined with Wichita Festivals, Inc. to bring this community tradition to back to Wichita for the 42nd year. Among these are Riverfest’s Official Sponsors: Bombardier Learjet, Bud Light, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Metro Courier, Midwest Ford Dealers, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. Thank you also to our Riverfest Corporate Hosts: Emprise Bank, UCI, Cessna Employees Credit Union, Commerce Bank, Conco Construction, Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co., Inc., Laham Development, Murfin Drilling Company, Inc., Pioneer Balloon, and SASNAK. Their combined contribution of $13,000 helped make possible the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert on Thursday, June 6. Riverfest is a great opportunity for businesses to interact with the Wichita community. To learn more about how sponsorship can work for your company or organization, call 316-267-2817 or e-mail Celia Cayless at celia@wichitafestivals.com.
Reflecting on Riverfest
CFC RETURNS TO RIVERFEST
By Todd Johnson
Representing Riverfest 2013 as Admiral Windwagon Smith XL was a great honor and privilege. I was so pleased to meet hundreds of wonderful members of our community as we all enjoyed OUR Riverfest. I was priviledged to spend time with the 2013 Prairie Schooner Mates. These high school juniors represent the best we have in this community and if you were able to see them on stage or meet them at an event, I am sure your were impressed. I want to thank Mary Beth Jarvis and her staff for the great job planning and implementing our Riverfest and for the great support for me as Admiral. Also, thanks to the many sponsors who support the Festival, the thousands of volunteers who spent long hours preparing and working the Festival, and the people who took ownership of Riverfest by buying a button. I will be back in a “Red Shirt” next year as a member of the Operations Committee and I look forward to seeing my Wichita Family again next year as Riverfest 2014 promises to be bigger and better!
Meet Teri Mott Wichita Festivals’ new Marketing and Communication Director was baptized by fire into the WFI world this spring when she agreed to dive into marketing, public affairs and media relations duties — on an interim basis — just days before Riverfest 2013 began. Her strong capabilities and unfailing flexibility added tremendous value for WFI, even as she continued to operate her own firm, Mojo Events and Promotions. She officially joined the WFI team full time August 5. Teri is an accomplished writer, editor, and event architect, as well as a tireless advocate for the creative arts in Wichita. A proud Wichita State University graduate, she’s a member of Wichita Professional Communicators and has been on the boards of Wichita Community Theatre, Tallgrass Film Festival and Fisch Bowl, Inc. Teri will confess to being bizarrely devoted to kittens, artisan cheeses and David Bowie. Her adventures have included college radio alternative programming director, communications coordinator for an international arts organization, feature editor for a Pulitzer Prize-winning small town newspaper, daredevil assistant to a traveling magician, and waitress. She lends her acting talents to local theater productions, and traveling, gardening, cooking and bike riding make her happy.
Through the Cessna Celebrations for a Cause program, individuals and businesses teamed up to provide Wichita Riverfest 2013 buttons to service organizations and their clients. Nearly $15,000 was collected for this effort, with 4,263 buttons distributed to local charities. When Celebrations for a Cause was reintroduced this year, Cessna Aircraft Company kicked off the program as lead donor with an initial purchase of 3,000 buttons. “Cessna is thrilled to partner with our community organizations and give them the opportunity to enjoy all of the excitement of Riverfest,” said Jim Walters, Cessna Aircraft Co. senior vice president for human resources. “This is a great example of the community banding together to support each other and celebrate being Wichitans.” Recipient organizations that provided Riverfest buttons to adults and children in need include:
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Catholic Charities Medical Service Bureau Big Brothers/Big Sisters Greater Wichita YMCA Laughing Feet McConnell Air Force Base Holy Savior Middle School Carpenter Place Medical Services Bureau, Inc. KETCH Arc of Sedgwick County Arthritis Foundation Boys & Girls Club Child Start Communities in Schools Heartspring Kansas Children’s Service League Kidz Cope Ronald McDonald House Salvation Army Senior Services Special Olympics Wichita Children’s Home Rainbows United Starkey DUI Victims Center of Kansas.
“Our families are always looking for fun, positive activities to participate in. Because of Celebrations for a Cause, they were able to do so,” said Jami Scott, operations manager of Salvation Army Homeless Services.
2013 RIVERFEST PHOTO CONTEST
WINNERS!
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RIVERFEST VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
By Jill Massey, Volunteer Coordinator
In this Volunteer Spotlight we want to thank everyone who helped make the 42nd Riverfest a success: WFI Board of Directors, Riverfest Operations, Volunteer, Finance and Button Committee Members, Admiral Windwagon Smith XL, Prairie Schooner Mates, parents, teachers, students, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and sponsors. Did you know we had 4,462 volunteers who worked throughout the year to plan and implement Riverfest? Did you know most volunteers worked three to four four-hour shifts? Did you know volutneers worked 17,840 hours at Riverfest? Did you know most committee members worked 16-hour days each day at Riverfest? Did you know the Admiral and Prairie Schooner Mates worked more than 200 hours each during their volunteer time? These numbers give you an insight into the commitment of our volunteers. Without their dedicated time and hard work, Riverfest would not be possible. Special thanks to those who helped: -Stuff Kansas Health Foundation River Run packets -Package buttons -Answer phones and prepare bulk mailings -Fold shirts -Price merchandise -Sell food court tickets -Work the Sundown Parade -Set up and man barricades -Manage Volunteer Headquarters -Sell souveniers -At specific events such as the Paddle Boats, Cruise In and many others Thanks also to our: -Kansas Health Foundation River Run volunteers -Welcome Center greeters -Button marshalls -Button sellers -Clean Team And thank YOU for sharing your time and enthusiasm with us!
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! Join us at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party, Thursday, August 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel. Come for appetizers, drinks, prize drawings and the announcement of the 2013 Galaxy Award winner! Let’s share this time together as we celebrate you and your hard work! Watch for your invitation coming soon. Don’t miss it!
2013 FEATURED ARTIST
Autumn & Art’s 2013 Featured Artist, Pamela Spika, works out of her studio in Parker, Colo., fashioning art from a mixture of media, including canvas, decorative paper, acrylics, pencils, crayons and metal leafing. Each of Spika’s pieces is original and features a unique blend of technical, geometric precision and lively, contemporary colors. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., Spika has showcased her work at numerous art shows and exhibits, including Autumn & Art 2012 and two international shows. Spika has been the recipient of many awards in her career, including Best in Show at the Parker Artist Guild “Duets” Show for her work with Tadashi Hayakawa in 2009, and 1st Place Fine Art, Mixed Media at Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, Colo. in 2007. Spika’s work hangs in many public and private collections in the U.S. and abroad.
The Autumn & Art 2013 Commemorative Poster featuring Spika’s “Always a Dreamer” is available for a limited time for $10 at The Frame Shop in Bradley Fair, 2132 N. Rock Rd.
Falling leaves and crisp temperatures are just around the corner, and so is Wichita’s fourth annual fine-art tradition, Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. This juried art show and sale is set for Sept. 13-15 on scenic Bradley Fair Parkway, just south and east of Rock Road and 21st Street North. This alfresco event features nearly 100 artists from 21 states, exhibiting their jewelry, oil paintings, glass works, watercolors, fiber art, ceramics, photographs and other pieces. Exhibiting artists compete for cash awards totaling more than $7,500, including categories judged by a panel of art experts, as well as the Patron Award, which is voted on by attendees at Autumn & Art’s Patron Party at Opening Night. “We are thrilled that this event continues to grow, in every way,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We have booked more artists, expanded entertainment and family activities, and introduced the Patron Experience for those who want to enjoy additional hospitality and art-related programs throughout the weekend. “In addition, our distinguished jury was very pleased with the ever-rising quality of the art slated for the show, both from talented local artists and those coming from around the nation. It will be hard for attendees to resist adding one or more of these quality pieces to their personal collections,” said. Artists were invited to participate after their work was evaluated and ranked by jurors Wayne Conyers, award-winning artist and fine arts professor at McPherson College; Howard Ellington, executive director of Wichita Center for the Arts;
Rollin Karg, artist and owner of Karg Art Glass; and Patricia McDonnell, executive director of the Wichita Art Museum. Fidelity Bank returns as the Presenting Sponsor of Autumn & Art, which is produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. Free and open to the public, Autumn & Art is scheduled from 6-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15. Those who want to enjoy Autumn & Art’s Patron Experience are invited to a lavish Patron Party with gourmet food, specialty wine and spirits, and live performances. VIP treatment for Patrons continues throughout the weekend, with unlimited access to the Patron Lounge where guests can enjoy delicious food from Bradley Fair restaurants and spirits in a private, outdoor setting. Special programs for Patrons will include sessions on “Living with Art: Decorating with Artwork” and “Art as an Investment.” Tickets for the Patron Party alone are $75. A Saturday evening happy hour, Sunday brunch, reserved parking and other privileges are included in the Patron Experience package, which is $100 for the weekend. Sponsors are able to purchase additional Patron Party and Patron Experience tickets at a discount. Entertainment — from live music to art demonstrations and more — will be presented in a variety of areas throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday visit Artie’s Clubhouse, Autumn & Art’s Kids’ Gallery, which offers artwork created and priced with youngsters in mind. Free art-themed games and handson art activities sponsored by Wichita Center for the Arts also will be available Saturday and Sunday.
ENERGETIC, FRIENDLY
Volunteers Needed! Want to see Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair from a different perspective, meet new people and promote art in the community? Volunteer!
Patron Party at Opening Night decorating
Responsibilities: Assist with party decor, which includes the party area, tables, food tent and two bars. Shift: Friday, all day
Patron Experience Help
Responsibilities: During the Patron Party, assist with restaurants and bars, and wristbands at the entrance to the party. Throughout the rest of the weekend, attend to the Patron Lounge, serving food and refreshments and greeting Patrons. Shifts: Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning
Artist Hospitality and Relief
Responsibilities: Welcome artists in the Hospitality Tent, provide assistance to artists as requested, answer questions, watch artist booths during breaks, and help serve food and refreshments during the day. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the artists and gain a more personal view of Autumn & Art. Shifts: Multiple shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Welcome Centers/Festival Greeters
Responsibilites: Have you been to Autumn & Art before? Share some of your knowledge as a Festival Greeter inside the north and south entrance gates and at our Information Booths. You will welcome guests, distribute festival maps, sell merchandise, and provide general directions to activities, artists, and music and art demonstration schedules. Must be 16 or older. Shifts: Friday evening, multiple shifts on Saturday and Sunday
Beverage Booths - Soda/Water Product Sales/Alcohol Sales Responsibilities: Three Beverage Booths will be set up along the parkway for Patrons to purchase drinks. Ice down and sell drinks, reconcile cash at the end of your shift, and secure product overnight in storage. Shifts: Friday evening, multiple shifts on Saturday and Sunday
SEPTEMBER 13-15 Wichita’s 4th Annual Fine-Art Tradition Experience Bradley Fair Parkway transformed into a world-class art gallery with the area’s largest collection of fine-art works for sale. Purchase paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber art and more from recognized national and local artists. Family Fun: Make-your-own art projects with Wichita Center for the Arts, kids-only gallery and art-themed games. Presented by
Enjoy delicious food from Bradley Fair restaurants, wine, spirits and live entertainment. Upgrade to Patron Status and enjoy the VIP Experience: Join the lavish opening-night Patron Party with gourmet buffet, specialty wine and spirits, and live performances.
& OPEN visit For FREE more information TO THE PUBLIC AUTUMNANDART.COM or call (316) 267-2817
Patron Status includes reserved parking and unlimited access to Patron VIP area throughout the weekend. Tickets are $75 for the Patron Party or $100 for Patron status for the full weekend.
For more information visit
AUTUMNANDART.COM or call (316) 267-2817
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