Admiral Windwagon Smith L announced for Riverfest 2024

Stephanie Nutt
·2 min read

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita Festivals, Inc. has announced Lyle Schuette as Admiral Windwagon Smith L for the 52nd Riverfest in 2024.

“The joy I get at Riverfest is seeing people doing things during the festival like taking a ride down the river in the Wagonmaster’s Water Wagon or racing the tricycles down Douglas Street or just dancing on the street during the concerts,” said Schuette. “Everybody’s doing what makes them feel great, just good old-fashioned fun.”

The Admiral serves as the official ambassador for Riverfest. In this position, Schuette will speak to Wichita civic organizations, visit children in local hospitals, and help host dozens of events during the nine days of Riverfest.

The position was established in 1974 with John Bell at the Wichitennial River Festival.

Schuette started his journey with Riverfest in 1982 when he was stationed at McConnell. He tried out for the rowing team that competed in Riverfest’s bathtub boat races. He competed for 11 years, even setting the world record for the fasted human powered bathtub boat at one point.

For over 30 years, he has been a part of the Festival, wearing a red shirt and being a key volunteer.

“We are honored to select Lyle as Admiral L, for this year’s Riverfest,” said President and CEO of Wichita Festivals Nancy Duling. “He’s proudly served his country and his community, and his personality brings such energy and enthusiasm.”

Lyle and his wife Debbie have three grown children and recently became grandparents to their first grandchild. Lyle retired early from the Kansas Air National Guard and began his next adventure, founding and running Schuette’s Dirt Works with his wife for 25 years. Although his retirement years are upon him, he still has plenty to give back to the community his family has proudly called home these past 40 years.

Goddard senior is one of two Jabara Scholars

Twenty-six Prairie Schooner Mates were also announced. Prairie Schooner Mates are local private and public high school juniors selected to be youth ambassadors for Riverfest.

(Courtesy: Wichita Festivals, Inc.)
(Courtesy: Wichita Festivals, Inc.)

This year’s Prairie Schooner Mates include:

  • Mason Bailey – Northwest

  • Lillie Beckner – North

  • Mycah Biering – Eisenhower

  • Alexsis Burkus – South

  • Andrew Clouse – Andover Central

  • Kehlen Craig – Campus

  • Samuel Doell – North

  • Mathhew Hibbs – Sunrise Christian Academy

  • Vada Hurst – Southeast

  • Kaylinn Hutchinson – Mulvane

  • Leona Jamaleddine – Maize South

  • Ryan Khalife – Collegiate

  • Olivia Leon – Heights

  • Mason Lipsey – Independent

  • Liam Mabry – Sedgwick

  • Vy Nguyen – East

  • Bella Ochoa – Goddard

  • Airryn Powell – Andover

  • Cheyenne Qualls – West

  • Bennie Randolph – Valley Center

  • Reagan Rink – Eisenhower

  • Adelynne Scribner – Circle

  • Will Sorochty – Bishop Carroll

  • Alexis Thompson – Maize

  • Salene Tran – Northeast Magnet

  • Enzo Tsen – East

“I’m so excited to be surrounded by a group of individuals who have the same drive as I do,” said East High Prairie Schooner Mate Enoz Tsen. “I can’t wait to serve our community and make the Riverfest one to remember!”

Riverfest will be from May 31 through June 8. Visit wichitariverfest.com for more details.

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