County cuts Reverfest funds

From

Steve otto

Wichita Peace and Freedom Party Examiner;

 

Sedgwick County Manager William Buchanan's budget proposal plans for the county is to eliminate its funding for the Wichita River Festival and the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open golf tournament, according to The Wichita Eagle. The Riverfest received $25,000 in 2011.
It was a general overall payment, not aimed at one event. Wichita now takes up most of Sedgwick County. It’s hard to imagine that paying for the festival is not in the county’s interest.
I’ve complained in the past about the festival being too commercial and the sponsors more interest in plugging their businesses than putting on something tourist can really enjoy. But now it will be even more commercial.

The festival has already suffered over the years. Many events, such as the bathtub races and the sandcastle contests have been eliminated. The festival also brings a large crowd of both locals and tourist to the City. Moving it to June this year turned out be a disaster. It was way to hot for a lot of people. Cutting the funding is just one more punch. How much can they cut from this festival before it becomes a complete fizzle?