Wichita Festivals reports strong 2015 numbers

Wichita Festivals on Tuesday released figures showing growth at its two flagship events – Riverfest and Autumn & Art – in 2015.

In a news release, Wichita Festivals said its “financial results were positive,” and it was able to add 3 percent of its 2015 revenue to the organization’s reserve funds.

“Thanks to those who share our goals of unifying the community and enhancing quality of life in Wichita, we had a successful year of achieving our mission,” Mary Beth Jarvis, president/CEO of Wichita Festivals, said in the news release.

In 2015, Riverfest buttons doubled in price – from $5 to $10 – and overall button sales fell in 2015, from 110,000 in 2014 to 97,000 in 2015. The festival’s revenue went up in 2015, however.

Here are five numbers to know about Wichita Festivals’ 2015:

410,000: Total attendance at Riverfest 2015, an increase of 8 percent over 2014

No. 54: Riverfest’s ranking worldwide in terms of Outdoor Ticket Sales, according to Pollstar

26 percent: Increase in ticket sales for extra-cost attractions like the zipline across the Arkansas River

More than 6,000: Volunteers who helped at Riverfest 2015, 520 of which were new volunteers. In total, Riverfest volunteers put in more than 32,000 work hours at the festival.

Nearly 25,000: Attendees at the free Autumn & Art event at Bradley Fair in September.

Wichita Festivals will unveil the poster design for Riverfest 2016 on Friday.

Riverfest 2016 will be from June 3 to 11.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 8:25 PM with the headline "Wichita Festivals reports strong 2015 numbers."