FESTIVITIES
FALL 2014
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CEO’S CORNER . . . . . PAGE 2 ADMIRAL’S REFLECTIONS . . . . . . PAGE 3 CELEBRATIONS FOR A CAUSE . . . . . PAGE 3 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS . . . . . PAGE 4 RIVERFEST VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT . . . . . PAGE 5 SHOUT OUT TO SPONSORS. . . . . PAGE 6 RIVERFEST CORPORATE HOSTS . . . . . PAGE 6 FESTIVAL CREW DONORS . . . . . PAGE 7 AUTUMN & ART . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 8-9 BOB STRUBLE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT . . . PAGE 10
Wichita Festivals, Inc. Board of Directors 2013-2014 Kaye Monk-Morgan, Chair Wichita State University Chris Goebel, Chair-Elect Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. Prisca Barnes, Secretary Storytime Village, Inc. Alan Howarter, Treasurer Vess Oil Corporation Gary Austerman Klenda Austerman LLC Clay Bastian Fidelity Financial Corporation Lathi de Silva Sullivan Higdon & Sink Bill Gardner Gardner Design Gary Gibbs Retired Don Grant Cary, Thomas, Hoover and Breault Esther Headley The Research Partnership, Inc. Richard Honeyman Hite, Fanning & Honeyman L.L.P. Lori Linenberger WSU Foundation Jennifer Magana Sedgwick County Barry Schwan House of Schwan Gavin R. Seiler Wichita Police Department Carol E. Wilson Independent Accountant
Staff Meghan Doyle Community Engagement Director Lisa Hansen Vice President Finance Adam Hartke Director of Events Mary Beth Jarvis President/CEO Ann Keefer Vice President Program Development Jill Massey Volunteer Coordinator Teri Mott Director of Marketing & Communication Julie Reams Director of Sales & Development
CEO’s Corner Riverfest 2014’s nine days of community celebration are complete, and our estimated 380,000 attendees got a giant dose of Wichita hospitality and fun, thanks to our great partners and volunteers! In 2013 we made some popular changes (such as the new children’s button, having all concerts included with the button price, and growing the Celebrations for a Cause program) but also evolved in ways that received mixed reviews (a stricter button requirement, for example). Building on these steps, we established these goals for Riverfest 2014: * Attendees would be drawn to our lineup of local and national performers * The festival zone would be both safe and welcoming * The event, overall, would reflect and attract our full community * Festivalgoers would have lots of engaging activities to enjoy So did we achieve our goals? Generally, yes! Our headliners, both on Kennedy Plaza and at WaterWalk Pavilion, were very popular, as were local bands and other performers on the Star Lumber Floating Stage and Food Court Stage. Families felt secure, and we hosted wonderful, very blended crowds each night. Attendees welcomed our new activities with gusto, whether they rode the St. Francis Ferris Wheel, made a toothbrush robot at the STEM tent, or played lawn games at Ackerman’s Backyard. We continued to do a lot of listening and have many ‘lessons learned’ to keep improving, but it’s delightful that the community is supporting a reinvigorated festival. But the reality is, we needed every dime from our nearly 200 sponsors, 150 individual donors, and 111,000 buttons-buyers to produce the quality of event we saw this year. To succeed in 2015 and beyond, we will need to continue to build up our revenue streams to keep up with costs and bring in popular entertainment to complement the home-spun fun of Riverfest events. One area for improvement is Celebrations for a Cause, our button-donation program designed to help clients of local non-profits share in this community celebration. CFC donations were down this year, and for 2015 we’ll be looking for a lead donor and other contributors to ensure Riverfest can include more of our neighbors in need. This year, as always, our amazing volunteers made it all happen! They logged nearly 22,000 hours setting up the footprint, selling buttons and running events-all as a gift to this community and the idea of bringing us together to celebrate the best of Wichita. They’re truly inspiring! Pivoting forward, we have the Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair coming up soon! We’re well on our way to executing these as our next great events and hope you’ll support and enjoy them with us!
JaLayne Wray Accounting Manager
444 E. William, Wichita, KS 67202 Tel 316.267.2817 Fax 316.267.5901 Toll-free 877.WFI.FEST
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www.autumnandart.com www.wichitariverfest.com
Mary Beth Jarvis President and CEO Wichita Festivals, Inc.
Reflecting on Riverfest
By Ron Ryan, Admiral Windwagon Smith What words can express the privilege of being Admiral XLI for the largest community event in Kansas? Families are the fabric of our society, and that fabric is being sorely tested these days, putting our whole country at risk. What the Wichita community does each year by offering families an inexpensive opportunity to share clean wholesome fun is beyond description. I love being part of a community where business leaders give back some of their hard-earned dollars to support their hometown. The fact that so many of our leaders and businesses continue to support this event speaks volumes for our community. Working with this year’s schooner mates gave me confidence in our future. These sharp, caring young people will soon be our leaders – and that makes me optimistic about tomorrow. We are also blessed to have Mary Beth Jarvis and her hard-working staff who continue to strive to make the event a success. Another year lies ahead with another challenge to make our party even bigger and better. I hope the next admiral has as good a time as I had serving in this fun role.!
Meet New Staff
CFC SEEKS LEAD DONOR The Celebrations for a Cause program continued this year for Riverfest, but unfortunately saw a decline in participation. In 2014, 1,180 buttons were donated, down from 4,263 donated in 2013. “A lead donor will really help grow the CFC program,” said Meghan Doyle, director of community engagement for Wichita Festivals. “Seeking that lead donor will be an important focus for Riverfest 2015.” Celebrations for a Cause makes it possible for worthy citizens, who may not otherwise have the chance, to attend Riverfest. Generous business and individual donors purchase buttons, allowing nonprofits to share the fun of Riverfest with families they serve. In 2014, many service organizations, including Ketch, Starkey, Wichita Children’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Goodwill Industries, received buttons through the CFC program. Thank you, 2014 Celebrations for a Cause donors!
New Director of Sales and Development, Julie Reams, started in April. She has extensive event-planning experience as an independent contractor and for a variety of companies, including The Alley. The former Andover City Council member served on various national and local boards of directors. She attended Pittsburg State University and University of Maryland. Julie and her husband, Brad, have three children: Brett, 19; Colby, 11; and Emily, 9. Currently training for her fifth marathon, she is also an avid music fan and singer. Meghan Doyle became WFI’s Community Engagement Director in February. Previously, Meghan was development coordinator for the Kansas Humane Society and communications manager for Vantage Point Properties. Her degree in Journalism is from the University of Kansas. Meghan and her husband, Tyler, are pet parents to pit bull mix, Jovi and the couple expects their first child in January. Meghan serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Wichita Chapter, among other boards and committees. She enjoys running, reading, spending time with family and friends and attending KU basketball and football games.
Admiral’s Ball Attendees Aero Metal Forms Brand Plumbing, Inc. Carey, Thomas, Hoover & Breault, Inc. Comfort Care Homes Steve Dillard Bob and Rosie Dool DUI Victims Center of Kansas Betty Epperly P.B. Hoidale Co., Inc. IT Kansas Helene Longhofer The McGinty Machine Company, Inc. Mitchell Media Bob Munhall Phillips 66 Riverside Citizens Association Ron Ryan WFI Operations Committee Wichita Federal Credit Union If you are interested in becoming a Celebrations for a Cause donor, or for more information about the program, please contact Meghan Doyle at (316) 267-2817 or meghan@wichitafestivals.com. 3
2014 RIVERFEST PHOTO CONTEST
WINNERS!
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STEVE ADELSON
RIVERFEST VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
By Jill Massey, Volunteer Coordinator
Much like a mama duck, with all her little ducklings in a row, you will find these two Prairie Schooner Mate ‘Moms’ leading the way for our Prairie Schooner Mates at Riverfest. Through this Volunteer Spotlight we want to recognize Carla Potvin and Traci Baker for their continued volunteerism as Prairie Schooner Mate ‘Moms’. What started as a 2-hour volunteer role has advanced itself to 15hour days for these two ladies. “Sure! I will help go with my daughter Sydney (Past Prairie Schooner Mate) and spend a few hours at Riverfest!” said Carla when she first volunteered at WFI. Little did she know she would take on the role as Mama Duck for years at Riverfest. Traci, a WFI volunteer for over 20 years, has spent her volunteer time in many roles, but never as ‘Mom’ to our youth ambassadors. Carla and Traci start their journey in January. These two assist with meetings, meet & greets, visits to hospitals, team building, River Run packaging and fulfilling the schedule of Prairie Schooner Mates and Admiral. They will spend roughly 15-hour days at Riverfest each day. One can find them leading the pack with their 26 little ducklings all dressed alike following from venue to venue. All it takes is a little bit of encouragement and a whole lot of motherly patience. Keeping track of 26 teenagers is hard work! WFI is so grateful to both of these ladies for all of the time they have volunteered. Thank you, Carla and Traci, for continuing to make the Prairie Schooner Mate program a big part of Riverfest! We also want to thank our WFI Board of Directors, Riverfest Operations, Volunteer, Finance and Button Committee Members, Admiral Windwagon Smith, Prairie Schooner Mates, parents, teachers, students, civic organizations, businesses, churches and sponsors. We express every year that we could not have Riverfest without volunteers. This is a fact and we are grateful for ALL of our volunteers. This year 5,412 volunteers worked 21,704 hours. Every year this number increases and gives you an insight to the dedication and commitment of our Volunteers. Thank YOU from WFI staff.
ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY 5:30-7:30 P.M., TUESDAY SEPT. 2 DRURY PLAZA BROADVIEW HOTEL APPETIZERS, DRINKS, DJ, PRIZE DRAWINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2014 GALAXY AWARD WINNERS. COME SHARE THIS TIME TOGETHER AS WE CELEBRATE YOU AND YOUR HARD WORK!
2014 VOLUNTEERS: RSVP TO JILL MASSEY AT JILL@WICHITARIVERFEST.COM
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THANK YOU! FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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 175 sponsors and media partners joined with Wichita Festivals, Inc. to bring this community tradition back to Wichita for the 43rd year. Among these are Riverfest’s Official Sponsors: Bud Light, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Metro Courier, Parr Sound & Lighting, Pepsi and PrairieLand Partners. 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 Julie Reams at julie@wichitafestivals.com.
CORPORATE HOSTS
BY MEGAN DOYLE, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
The Riverfest Corporate Host sponsorship program saw some growth this past year and we are looking forward to continuing to grow this program. The program was started as a way to involve the many companies who enjoy the cultural and natural assets of our city and want to join the fun of Riverfest. This year the support from the Riverfest Corporate Hosts presented the Big Easy Concert that featured Kelley Hunt who was a huge crowd pleaser. Each year the Riverfest Corporate Hosts will make possible a high profile event within the Riverfest schedule, and will receive special VIP hospitality experiences and Riverfest buttons to share with their staff. There are two sponsorship packages available, a $1,000 level and a $2,500 level. We would like to thank Jim Hattan, Past Admiral Windwagon Smith XLI, for all of his help with growing the Riverfest Corporate Host sponsorship program this year. Also a great, big “Thank You” to all of our 2014 Riverfest Corporate Hosts:
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Cessna Employees Credit Union EMC Insurance Companies Colby B. Sandlian
Belger Cartage Service Choose Networks Commerce Bank Conco Construction Credit Union of America Dondlinger & Sons Construction, Inc. Don Hattan Chevrolet Eby Construction Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Foley Equipment Company
The Frame Shop
UCI
Kansas Gas Service Law Offices of Morris Laing Mann Properties Murfin Drilling Company, Inc. Pioneer Balloon Company Protection 1 Security Solutions Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture Shelden Architecture YOUNG Electric, Inc.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A RIVERFEST CORPORATE HOST, CONTACT MEGHAN DOYLE, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, AT (316) 267-2817 OR MEGHAN@WICHITAFESTIVALS.COM.
FESTIVAL CREW DONORS
Riverfest is made possible by the generous support of our community! Businesses sponsor events and donate services, and attendees buy buttons. In addition, generous individuals and businesses join our Festival Crew and provide tax-deductible charitable gifts to help cover expenses. FESTIVAL CREW LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 1,000+ Jack Aring Keith L. Anderson Gordon W. Evans Charitable Trust Bill Gardner Chris & Cozy Goebel Jim & Shari Hand Esther & Dean Headley Dick Honeyman Mary Beth & Don Jarvis V. Kaye Monk-Morgan Betty & Bob Munhall Anita Oberwortmann – Metro Courier Hale Ritchie Thomas Sellers – Luminious Neon, Inc. FESTIVAL CREW DONORS
Richard & Suzanne Ahlstrand Gretchen & Stan Andeel Gary & Shirley Austerman Prisca Barnes Clay Bastian Bailis & Barbara Bell Charles & Denise Bennett James & Rhonda Bevilacqua Jim & Vera Bothner Elma Broadfoot Bob & Martha Buford Celia & Mick Cayless Connie Clark Fred & Myrna Clayton William Cohen Missy & Steve Cohlmia Josh Colton Kimberly Colton Emily Compton
Matt & Kristin Conrad Marilyn Cressler Nolan Dealy Lathi deSilva & Paul Diefenbach William & Alta DeVore Dick DeVore Dooley’s Water & Energy Don Elliott Steve & Lisa Gebert Dick & Jane George Gary & Barbara Gibbs Bob & Rosalie Goebel Andrew Gore – Gore Oil Don Grant Mike & Marie Greene Bryan & Darcie Greene Lisa & Devin Hansen Bobbi Hansen Robert & Anne Harbison Adam Hartke Tom & Jane Harwell Jim Hattan Lou & Terry Heldman Al & Judy Higdon Dave & Cheryl Hill Kris & Ernie Hoeckel Ron & Karen Holt Marshall Honeyman Frank Hoover Steven & Susan Houlik Alan & Barbara Howarter – The Howarter Family Don Jarvis Sr. Joe Johnson Wendy Johnson & Terry Wiggers Todd & Brenda Johnson Pat & Mike Jones Ann Keefer Jeff Kennedy & Patricia Gorham Scott & Stephanie Knebel George Laham – Laham Development Mike & Judy Lievens Lori Linenberger Helene Longhofer V.E. Lygrisse Jennifer Magaña
J.T. Manuszak Shelly & Mark Masterson Jeff & Laurie McCausland Fred & Margot Menefee Judy Mitchell – Mitchell Media Service Nancy Moore – CI Chapter of PEO Teri Mott Ron & Becky Mott Dr. Joe & Mrs. Nold Michelle Ogden – Terracon Wendell & Patricia Parks John Philbrick Plumbers & Pipefitters, Union #441 Aeramy K. & Tyler D. Porter Donald & Bettina Pracht Doug & Caroline Pringle Ross & Twila Puritty Richard Rader Roger & Terri Ramseyer George & Mary Ellen Randall Steve & Jan Randle Robert & Sharol Rasberry Betty Regier Jim & Sandy Reilly Michael & Jaclyn Reilly James Remsberg Erlene Robertson Dr. Tim & Beth Rohrig
Bruce Rowley – RSA Marketing Service Dennis & Sheryl Schoenebeck Jon & Kim Schrage Jim & Glenda Schueler Barry Schwan Thomas Scott Gavin & Heather Seiler Pauline & Doug Sharp Harvey R. Sorensen Brad & Rebecca Spiker Robin & Jane Spurrier Doug Stark Mikel & Leann Stout Jerry & Diane Strausz Don Swanson – Lee Aerospace, Inc. Willard & Barbara Thompson Grant & Anita Tidemann TMH Hotels, Inc. Lesli & Jamil Toubassi – The Toubassi Family Sharon VanHorn – VPM, Inc. Martha & Keith Walker Nestor Weigand Mary & Judith Wencel Carol Wilson Jim Winter JaLayne Wray Stephen & Cathy Yager
VISIT WICHITARIVERFEST.COM FOR DETAILS OR CALL (316) 267-2817. SUPPORT THE LARGEST COMMUNITY CELEBRATION IN KANSAS! JOIN FESTIVAL CREW!
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2014 FEATURED ARTIST
Few musical styles are as colorful as jazz, as Autumn & Art 2014’s Featured Artist Prince Duncan-Williams knows. The artist’s mosaics are music for the eyes, composed with silk as smooth as the music of John Coltrane and explosive colors that bring to mind the syncopation of New Orleansstyle jazz. Born in Ghana in West Africa into a family tradition of creating silk thread art, DuncanWilliams moved to the US to study architectural drafting. By 1996, he began training in silk mosaics, integrating the intensive art form with his sketches to create breathtaking large-scale masterpieces in a style that merges African and American/European traditions, like jazz itself. Duncan-Williams’ work starts with a penciled outline on board. The artist spreads glue over the board surface and meticulously applies the rows of thread in a spiral pattern, creating facets, patterns and depth. A single silk mosaic requires 30 to 320 hours of painstaking labor.
Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair is celebrating five years of fine art this fall! Plan to spend the weekend shopping for original artwork as you stroll scenic Bradley Fair Parkway, just south and east of Rock Road and 21st Street North. The event takes place 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, with Fidelity Bank returning as the presenting sponsor. This alfresco fine-art fair will feature 99 artists from 21 states. They will offer original works for sale in 13 artistic media, including jewelry, painting, glass, fiber, ceramics, photography and more. Exhibiting artists compete for cash awards totaling $7,500. A Patron Award will also be presented, selected by vote of attendees at the A&A Patron Party. “In a few short years, this event has become one of the area’s true cultural gems,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc., which produces the event. “You can browse gorgeous fine art and enjoy music, food and drink in a beautiful setting. Our generous sponsors and Patrons give this unique experience as a gift to the community.” Artists were invited to participate after their work was evaluated and ranked by these jurors: Howard Ellington, director emeritus for The Wichita Center for the Arts and executive director, Allen-Lambe House Museum and Study Center; Rollin Karg, artist and owner of Karg Art Glass; Sherry Leedy, owner of Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art, one of the oldest sustained contemporary art galleries
in Kansas City; and Patricia McDonnell, executive director of Wichita Art Museum. Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair is free of charge for the public because Patrons support the event by purchasing a $100 Patron Ticket. Patrons enjoy a lavish opening night party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, as well as reserved parking and complimentary beverages throughout the weekend. The Patron Party includes gourmet food, specialty wine and spirits, and live entertainment. New this year is a silent auction, featuring tickets to some of the area’s most popular galas, themed baskets, items from Bradley Fair merchants and more. Patron Tickets are available now at AutumnandArt.com or call (316) 267-2817 to make reservations. Families will find a number of fun options on Saturday and Sunday, coordinated by The Wichita Center for the Arts. Artie’s Clubhouse, a kids’-only gallery, offers artwork created and priced with youngsters in mind. WCFTA staff will lead a variety of free, hands-on art activities at Artie’s Art Studio. Along the parkway, artthemed games will capture imaginations while introducing youth to classic paintings. Entertainment — from live jazz and bluegrass to art demonstrations — will be presented on two stages throughout the weekend.
The Autumn & Art 2014 Commemorative Poster featuring Williams’ “Rhythms III” is available at the event and for a limited time at The Frame Shop in Bradley Fair, 2132 N. Rock Road, for $10.
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Paddle boat rides will be available for $5 per person. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase, as will delicious food from Bradley Fair restaurants.
ENERGETIC, FRIENDLY
Volunteers Needed!
Patron Party Decorating Responsibilities: Assist with party decor, which includes the party area, tables, food tent and two bars. Shift: 2-4 p.m., Friday
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: For those who have been to Autumn & Art before, share some knowledge as a Festival Greeter inside the north and south entrance gates and at our Information Booths. 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/Snack Sales/Alcohol Sales
Responsibilities: Three Beverage Booths will be set up along the parkway for Patrons to purchase drinks and small snacks. 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 9
THE 9TH ANNUAL BOB STRUBLE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
REGISTER TODAY! FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
11:30 A.M. LUNCH/12:30 P.M. SHOTGUN START CRESTVIEW COUNTRY CLUB – NORTH COURSE, 1000 N. 127TH ST. E. $150 PER PLAYER WITH FOUR PLAYERS PER TEAM ENTRY FEE INCLUDES RANGE BALLS, GREEN FEES, GOLF CART, BEVERAGES, LUNCH AND PLAYER GIFT. Active with Riverfest Bob Struble served as a Wagonmaster, festival volunteer and past board president of Wichita Festivals, Inc. before passing from cancer in 2005. The following year, the Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament was established in his honor by Bob’s friends. each year, a portion of the proceeds are donated to a cancer organization in Bob’s memory. Victory in the Valley is the recipient charity for the 2014 tournament.
VISIT BOBSTRUBLEGOLF.COM TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO!
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Friday, Sept. 12 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Sunday, Sept. 14
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating Five Years of Fine Art FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: See beautiful Bradley Fair Parkway transformed into a world-class art gallery. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, and art-themed family fun. BECOME A PATRON OF AUTUMN & ART: Your support makes this unique cultural event free to the community. Patrons get a full weekend of exclusive hospitality and special privileges for a $100 ticket. PATRON PARTY Friday, September 12, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a lavish opening night party with gourmet food, specialty drinks, live performance by The Cherokee Maidens and a silent auction. PATRON PRIVILEGES Patrons enjoy reserved parking and complimentary beverages throughout the weekend. PRODUCED BY
PRES ENT ED B Y
Wichita
AUTUMNANDART.COM