Pops concert, fireworks mark start, not end of Riverfest

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Organizers at the Wichita River Festival put on the final touches Friday morning, in preparation for the party's 40th year by the Arkansas River.

They checked the booths at the Food Court, which has now moved to west of Century II, they made sure the ticket booths were up and ready and tested the sound equipment.

Things officially got underway the same way they do every year, with the Sundown Parade and Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXVIII leading the way.

This year, Dr. Jay Decker and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra performed on opening night at the Koch Twilight Pops Concert. The Capitol Federal Firework show also took place at the start rather than the end of the nine-day event. Another, smaller show, will take place a week from Saturday.