Wichita Riverfest food court will have less Original Corn Roast, a new fast food presence
One of the most iconic (and tastiest) symbols of the Wichita Riverfest — which opens Friday in downtown Wichita — are the giant ears of corn attendees love to gnaw on as they stroll around.
But this year, the Original Corn Roast won’t be where it’s always been, which is in the main Riverfest food court at Century II. Instead, the owner has elected this year to set up his booth along with other vendors who operate adjacent to the Kennedy Plaza stage and will be open only on evenings and weekends.
Corn-free Riverfest lunches are one of several food-related changes festival attendees will find at the event, which opens Friday and runs through June 8.
Here are a few more facts about festival feasting:
New chicken vendor: The main food court will have a new vendor this year: Popeyes. The local franchisee of the Popeyes that is in the process of moving from its old spot at 1211 N. Broadway to the former Hardee’s building at 2035 N. Amidon, is joining the festival lineup this year and will sell chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets and hot apple pies from the Popeyes booth, which is near the center of the food court.
New barbecue vendor: The owner of longtime festival barbecue vendor Texas Reds has retired, said Linda Davidson, a longtime festival volunteer and a member of its board of directors. But another vendor has stepped in to fill the pulled pork void. Big G’s, another longtime vendor that’s known for its cheeseburgers and chicken tenders, will open a barbecue-themed booth right next door called Big G’s Famous BBQ.
Farewell, Santa Lucia. Hello raffle tent: The Greek gyro booth, which was new last year, is not returning. So the festival was one booth shy of filling its full lineup and wasn’t able to find a new one that wasn’t repetitive of the offerings already available, Davidson said. Instead, Wichita Festivals Inc. will fill the empty tent with a bar. The Original Corn Roast booth will be filled with volunteers selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle.
A new option for the Cajun Food Fest: This annual Cajun food party, which happens from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, on Kennedy Plaza outside Century II, will have a new dish available this year. The event will, as always, offer $15 Cajun meals featuring chicken etouffee, red beans and rice with sausage, a roll and bread pudding with bourbon custard sauce. But this year, attendees also will be able to get a Crawfish Boil Bowl for $8.
Return vendors: Many festival favorites will round out the 11-vendor lineup, including Hoopingarner Philly Steaks, Hoopingarner Funnel Cakes, Hoop’s Corn Dog & Fried Cheese, Dippin’ Dots, Tad’s Bodacious Burritos, Tad’s Chicken on a Stick, Chan’s Concessions, Made 2 Grill and Tacos TJ 664.
Kennedy Plaza food court: In the evenings and on weekends, a second food court on Douglas by the Kennedy Plaza stage will include not only Original Corn Roast but also Big G’s Floats, Hoopingarner’s Funnel Cakes and Kona Ice.
Hiland Dairy Ice Cream Social: It’s back and this year it happens from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Those who attend will get free giant scoops of vanilla ice cream along with festival fellowship. An ice cream sandwich eating contest will happen at 6 p.m., just before the social starts.
You still need tickets for food: As always, attendees will need to buy tickets to get food. They’re for sale at ticket booths near the food court and cost $1 each.
Business Lunch: Festivalgoers will need their Wichita Riverfest buttons to get into the food court except for from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, when a button isn’t required for entry.
Hours: The food court will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, June 7 and June 8, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through June 6.
Fast fest facts: The Wichita Riverfest happens Friday through June 8 around Century II in downtown Wichita. Admission will be a Wichita Riverfest button, on sale now. Adult buttons, good for admission to all nine days of the festival, are $20 for adults, $10 for children. They’re available at wichitariverfest.com and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the festival offices, 444 E. William. They’re also available at QuikTrip stores in Wichita, Derby, Newton and El Dorado.
For a full lineup of activities and concerts, visit wichitariverfest.com
This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 4:09 PM.
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