Festival fun, community pride: Riverfest 2011

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  For forty years, native Kansans have gathered every spring to celebrate community pride and fellowship. The celebration, known by many names over the decades, has evolved into family fun, music, entertainment and food known today as the Wichita River Festival.

This year Riverfest will begin June 3 and end June 11, 2011.

Traditionally, McConnell's Airmen have played a major role in many Wichita community events including Riverfest.

"Riverfest is Wichita's biggest community event," said Sharon Hamric, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chief of community relations. "Participating symbolizes how much Team McConnell appreciates the community's support."

Team McConnell members are invited to participate in the Sundown Parade, 6:30 p.m. June 3, 2011. The parade will begin at the intersection of Central and Main Street.

Following the parade, the McConnell Community Salute will take place at the Kansas Star Music Park at West Bank, at 7:45 p.m.

During this event, Col. Jamie Crowhurst, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, will perform the induction ceremony for approximately 90 recruits. These individuals will be future members of the active duty, Guard and Reserves forces.

Family members of McConnell Airmen are also invited to walk in the parade.

Families who are part of McConnell's Hearts Apart program are also invited to walk in the parade or ride on the McConnell float.

Hearts Apart is a program sponsored by the McConnell's A&FRC, for family members of military personnel who are currently deployed, on an extended temporary duty assignment or serving a remote tour.

"It's not just military members, it's families too, who are appreciated," said Tech. Sgt. Beth Roberts, Airman and Family Readiness Center NCO.

"McConnell is honored to be invited as part of Riverfest," said Mrs. Hamric. "The community embraces us and we want to be part of what matters to Wichita. Besides, it's fun."

McConnell members who would like to walk in the Sundown Parade should be in place, downtown by 6 p.m., in the uniform of the day. To line up for the parade, members should walk north from the intersection of Main Street and Murdock, until reaching section 2, unit 13.

For information about walking in the parade or the McConnell Community Salute, call the Public Affairs office at (316) 759-3141. For information and a schedule for the 2011 Riverfest, visit www.wichitariverfest.com. For more information about the Hearts Apart program, contact Sgt. Roberts at (316) 759-4063.