News

Wichita Festivals, Inc., and its long-time supporter, Fidelity Bank, today announced that the fourth generation, family-owned financial institution will sponsor Riverfest 2019’s Fidelity Bank River Run.

“Pairing a great partner like Fidelity Bank with one of our most beloved events is a fantastic scenario for us and all who value Riverfest, said Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of WFI. “This race series helped establish the popular tradition of foot races in Kansas, and we expect the Fidelity Bank River Run will thrive and grow, thanks to their generous support and enthusiastic involvement.”

“The River Run has a rich legacy of drawing our community together in the spirit of good health and friendly competition,” said Aaron Bastian, president of Fidelity Bank. “We are honored to partner with Wichita Festivals and extend our gratitude to all the participants and volunteers who make this such a special experience, from the first strides to the finish line.”

In addition to their ongoing support of Riverfest, which has included sponsorship of festival ATMs in recent years as well as old-school favorites Mardi Gras Day and Thursday Jazz Concerts, Fidelity Bank also has been the presenting sponsor of Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, WFI’s annual fine-art fair, since it was established in 2010.

The River Run race series, celebrating 43 years of running downtown and on the river, is scheduled for June 1, on the first weekend of Riverfest 2019. A new race, the Katie Partridge Memorial 5K, joins the Marriott International 10K as the series’ two chip-timed races. Also featured are the YMCA 2-Mile Family Walk/Jog, and Lane Enterprises Tot Trot, for kids 2-7 years old. Registration includes a Riverfest admission button, tee shirt, finisher’s medallion courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas, and runner’s breakfast. Early-bird discounted registration continues through Feb. 28 at RiverRunWichita.com.

Established in the early years of the Wichita River Festival, the River Run grew rapidly and has been a fixture among the state’s leading road races since the late 1970s. It was supported by Bank of America and its local predecessors, including the Fourth National Bank, from 1980 to 2011. Kansas Health Foundation picked up the torch in 2012 and served as sponsor for the event through 2018. Going forward, the foundation, which works to enhance Kansans’ health and well-being, will sponsor Riverfest’s hydration stations.

Wichita Riverfest will take place May 31-June 8 in and around the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. Admission buttons can be reserved by presale at wichitafestivals.ticketspice.com/2019-button-sales.

Wichita Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with the purpose of creating diverse community celebrations within the Wichita community. The primary events produced by Wichita Festivals, Inc. are Riverfest (May 31-June 8, 2019), Bob Struble Memorial Golf Tournament (September 6, 2019) and Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair (September 13-15, 2019). For more information about Wichita Festivals, Inc. or its events, contact Teri Mott at (316) 267-2817 or teri@wichitafestivals.com.