2010 Wichita River Festival – Something for Everyone

From May 7 to May 15 families will enjoy a variety of participatory and spectator events at the 2010 Wichita River Festival, one of Kansas’ largest celebrations, annually attracting more than 350,000 visitors.

Festivities kick-off with opening night fireworks and a concert with Bret Michaels Roses and Thorns World Tour, and ends with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture performed by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas Army National Guard and carillon bells.

The 2010 entertainment features artists from across the musical genres – classic rock legends, hot country artists, local musical talent and many others. In between, attendees will enjoy additional concerts, parades, hot air balloons, a Cajun food fest, open air markets, ice cream socials and more.

Riverfest is teaming up with the Kansas Food Bank to aid the fight against hunger in the community. Admission for adults to the West Bank Stage concerts will be $10 plus a Riverfest button. Children ages 6-10 will be able to get in for free with their button and a donated food item for the Kansas Food Bank. All children five and under will get in for free.

Creating an economic impact of approximately $22 million, Riverfest has become one of the top special events in Kansas and was recognized in 2006 as one of the top 100 events in the United States by the American Bus Association.

For more information about top events in Kansas, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kansas at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-kansas.html

For more information on Riverfest entertainment, go to www.wichitariverfestival.com

WINTER’S CHILL WON’T STOP OUTDOOR FUN IN KANSAS STATE PARKS

Many Kansas parks host unique family fun events during the winter months, including the Polar Plunge at Tuttle Creek State Park, or ice skating at the River Pond area of the same park.

Cooler temperatures and fewer people provide visitors some of the best opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities in Kansas. Bird watching and wildlife photography, trout fishing, hiking, biking and winter events are just some of what’s available in the Kansas state parks during this uniquely beautiful time of the year.

Kansas’ off-season (October – March) can be cold, but there are plenty of mild, sunny days to get outdoors. Birds and wildlife are often more visible during the winter months, offering great opportunities to both watch and take photographs. In particular, several state parks have bald eagle watching events in January or February, including Clinton, Tuttle Creek and Milford state parks. Birding enthusiasts can find up-to-date eagle watching information, through the outdoor section of www.TravelKS.com, as well as other information about the best places to view wildlife.

Hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and off-road vehicle trails all remain accessible throughout the winter. If there is snow on the ground, cross-country skiing is an option on the park trails, and identifying animal tracks in the snow is a great family outdoor activity.

Another unique winter opportunity is trout fishing. From October to April, trout are stocked at specific locations around the state, including Tuttle Creek, Scott, Glen Elder, and Cedar Bluff state parks. Rental cabins at many state parks are available year-round. During the fall and winter the cabins are particularly popular with hunters, but also offer an affordable get-away alternative for anyone looking to get outdoors.

Gary Lucas, park manager at Hillsdale State Park, south of Kansas City, sees many people of all ages coming to the park in the off-season. According to Gary, “In addition to all of the state’s winter outdoor options, the choices have improved for equipment and clothing, making a fall or winter stroll comfortable and relaxing. Kansans should take the opportunity to get out, get going, and get some fresh air.”

Park prices are discounted during the off-season, with standard fees as follows:
• Daily Vehicle permit — $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60)
• Annual Vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10)
• Additional Annual Vehicle permit — $12.20 (senior/disabled, $7.35)
• Daily Camping permit — $7.50
• 14-Day Camping permit — $87.50


For more information about top events in Kansas, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kansas at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-kansas.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Kansas at www.TravelKS.com