WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Wichita’s signature event has lost money for the fourth straight year and organizers say reserves that helped cover the deficits are nearly depleted.
The Wichita Eagle reports the River Festival is expected to lose about $85,000 this year as button sales and corporate sponsorships have failed to keep pace with expenditures.
Wichita Festivals Inc. puts the blame on the economy, though there’s also some concern that people are attending the events without purchasing a $5 button they’re asked to have.
President and CEO Janet Wright says festival officials have some tough decisions ahead about what kinds of things they can afford next year. She says people need to understand that if they want the Riverfest to stay around, they have to understand it can’t be for free.
