The Airbus Americas firework finale was the final event of the 2011 Wichita Riverfest. This event began at 10:00 p.m. along the Arkansas River and attracted hundreds of excited individuals. Just like the firework show that took place on the first day, fireworks were shot off from three different locations. The fireworks were a spectacular sight to see and a great way to end the Riverfest’s nine day long entertainment and activities.
DAY EIGHT- Friday, June 10
The weather tonight at the Wichita Riverfest made for an enjoyable evening. My first stop of the evening was to check out the 3rd annual funnel cake eating contest at the Star Lumber Stage. There were 10 brave contestants who signed up for this challenge in hopes that they would win a prize from Sports Radio 1410 KGSO. The contestants had 10 minutes to eat as many funnel cakes as possible. Some of the contestants took their time, while other dedicated contestants dipped their funnel cakes into water to make the process easier. The winner of the contest ate a total of 5 funnel cakes which is now the new record for the funnel cake eating contest. Surprisingly, no contestants got sick during this event!
The next event that I went to was the children’s balloon release at Delano Park. This event was sponsored by Via Christi Health and Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s. Many parents brought their children to this event and volunteers worked quickly to blow up and pass out balloons to children. Children were instructed to wait until 8:00 p.m. before releasing their balloons into the sky. Each balloon released was used to represent children who have lost their lives due to illness. Once it was 8:00 p.m., children released their balloons and sent hundreds into the evening sky. The children who came out and participated in this event had a great time and got a thrill out of watching the balloons disappear into the sky.
My last event for the night was the Randy Rogers Band who played at the Kansas Star Music Park. Hundreds of people came out to hear the country band sing some of their hit songs including, “Kiss Me in the Dark” and “In My Arms Instead”. The Randy Rogers band had the front crowd standing on their feet and enjoying every moment of the concert.
Tomorrow is the last day of the Wichita Riverfest! Even though it’s the last day, there is still going to be lots of exciting events to go to. One event that I'm definitely not going to miss is the Eddie Money concert. After the concert, don’t forget to watch the Airbus Americas fireworks finale at 9:45 p.m. Tomorrow evening is going to be very exciting so you won’t want to miss it!
DAY SEVEN- Thursday, June 9
Tonight I came to the Riverfest with a hungry stomach and left completely full thanks to Goodwill’s Cajun Food Fest. Goodwill volunteers formed several assembly lines to help get plates out quickly to hungry Riverfest attendees. The atmosphere at the Goodwill tent felt as though you had just stepped into New Orleans, Louisiana. Jazz music was playing on speakers that surrounded the tent and a man in a giant lobster costume was walking around greeting guests. When I ordered my food, I was shocked to be handed a plate overflowing with delicious looking southern food. The meal consisted of black beans with slices of sausage, shrimp gumbo, chicken etouffee, white rice, and a large bread roll. Needless to say, the meal was absolutely delicious and all the money raised tonight will be going to a good cause.
