Riverfest officials call competing Cajun event a "coincidence"

(WICHITA, Kan.) —
For more than a quarter century, the Cajun Food Fest has been a main attraction at Riverfest and for the first time this year has competition.

Volunteers like food coordinator Scott McComas make it happen.

“It’s a good cause and I enjoy doing it,” says McComas.

The money raised goes to Goodwill Industries, but this year there is competition.

“I heard about it about a month ago,” says McComas.

Just down the river Riverfest is holding its own Cajun event, complete with a Cajun band on this stage and Cajun style food.    

Riverfest officials say in no way did they mean to compete with Goodwill food fest, an event that raises about $30 thousand a year.

“It is a coincidence and a fluke that it all came about this one night,” says Janet Wright with Wichita Festivals.

Wright says there are no plans to push Goodwill out.

“We understand their concerns about it. We've tried to work hard to let people know there is a difference,” says Wright.

Volunteers like McComas hope there are enough customers for everyone.
“I think it's unfortunate timing, we have a whole week that we could spread it out.  Hopefully we can both make money and it won't turn bad for anybody,” says McComas.