- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Ron McEwen named 52nd Admiral Windwagon Smith of Wichita Riverfest
Longtime community advocate and Wagonmaster takes on prestigious festival leadership role
Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:15pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Wichita Riverfest has named Ron McEwen as the 52nd Admiral of the festival, a prestigious honor recognizing his long-standing commitment to the community. McEwen, a frequent volunteer and sponsor for local organizations, will lead the festival's iconic Admiral Windwagon Smith tradition.
Why it matters
The Admiral Windwagon Smith role is a highly respected position within the Wichita community, symbolizing leadership and service. McEwen's selection highlights his deep involvement in the city's civic life and the Riverfest event, which has been a beloved annual tradition in Wichita for over 50 years.
The details
McEwen, who holds the title Admiral Windwagon Smith LII, is a community advocate and Wagonmaster. The ceremonial passing of the sword, an iconic element of the Admiral's uniform, was presented to McEwen by the daughters of the previous Admiral, Alan Howarter, who passed away unexpectedly in 2025. McEwen has a personal connection to the festival, having attended Riverfest with his wife Lisa as a date night early in their relationship, and his daughter Dani being a Prairie Schooner Mate in 2016.
- On January 29, 2026, Wichita Riverfest unveiled Ron McEwen as the 52nd Admiral of the festival during a ceremony at the Drury Hotel.
- In 2025, Admiral 51 Alan Howarter unexpectedly passed away shortly after Riverfest.
The players
Ron McEwen
The 52nd Admiral of the Wichita Riverfest, a community advocate and Wagonmaster.
Alan Howarter
The 51st Admiral of the Wichita Riverfest, who passed away unexpectedly in 2025.
BreAnna Monk
The President & CEO of Wichita Festivals.
Todd Johnson
The Fleet Admiral of Wichita Riverfest.
Dani
McEwen's daughter, who was a Prairie Schooner Mate in 2016.
What they’re saying
“Becoming Admiral is the highest honor that we can bestow on a prime member of our community. We are excited to continue our journey of the Admiral in festival leadership.”
— BreAnna Monk, President & CEO of Wichita Festivals (KWCH)
“Ron was chosen as Admiral 52 because of his long-time commitment to our community through his involvement with Riverfest, Wagonmasters, and his church just to name a few. He is a proven leader in our community and respected business owner.”
— Todd Johnson, Fleet Admiral (KWCH)
What’s next
The ceremonial passing of the sword, an iconic element of the Admiral's uniform, is traditionally handed down from the outgoing Admiral to the incoming one. In 2025, Admiral 51 Alan Howarter unexpectedly passed away shortly after Riverfest. In a meaningful tribute, Howarter's daughters upheld the tradition by presenting the sword to McEwen in honor of their father.
The takeaway
The selection of Ron McEwen as the 52nd Admiral Windwagon Smith of the Wichita Riverfest highlights the festival's commitment to honoring long-standing community leaders and volunteers. McEwen's deep involvement in local organizations and his personal connection to the festival make him an ideal choice to carry on the prestigious Admiral tradition.
