There was the March Madness, The Masters, The XFL, The Summer Olympics……
……..and now the latest addition to the big list of events that won’t be taking place this year, The Wichita Riverfest.
For the first time in its history, the 9-day downtown festival has been canceled due to increasing concerns about COVID-19. The news was announced today by Wichita Festivals Inc.
Instead, they will be planning a four-day, fall-themed community event in downtown, a dynamic final celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of both Wichita and Sedgwick County.
“When you’re the biggest event in the state with a large economic impact on the local community, it takes longer to assess and coordinate with local public health officials,” said Ty Tabing,president/CEO of Wichita Festivals Inc said in a press release. “We’ve been very thoughtful about this decision and are doing the right thing as a matter of public health and safety, and there is no higher priority.”
The decision was made after WFI communicated with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County officials.
Not all is lost though as Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair is still scheduled for Sept. 18-20,
The 150th anniversary fall event is currently scheduled for Nov. 5-8 with St. Francis street at the heart of the festival. Fidelity Bank River Run is one of a select number of Riverfest 2020 events that will take place during the fall event. KAKE TouchATruck and the
Wichita Eagle Medallion Hunt will also take place at the festival, along with a number of new events and activities—some autumn-inspired, some highlighting Wichita’s vibrant arts and music scenes, and all to celebrate the spirit and citizens of Wichita and Sedgwick County.
With the event that was supposed to take place May 29-June 6 gone, WFI staff is planning a Virtual Riverfest 2020 where more details will be available at WichitaRiverfest.com May 1.
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