By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
After announcing a $95,000 deficit in April, the Wild West Festival committee said Friday it should be in the black this year, the 30th year, for the annual July 4th multi-day celebration in Hays.
"We were in trouble," said Jeff Ridgeway, committee chairman, "but thanks to the community, the numbers look like we are going to be able to continue this tradition."
The budget for this year's festival was so tight the committee thought it would have to eliminate fireworks, a $25,000 expense. However, sponsors stepped up to fund the fireworks, including Thirsty's, Gella's, Platinum Group and Joe Bob Outfitters.
Ridgeway also feared this summer's event might not happen at all.
But it's on, and "it's only possible because the community, the organizations, the businesses have all stepped up," Ridgeway said during the The Chamber in Hays' weekly Chamber Chat.
In addition to financial contributions, he said businesses have covered some annual behind-the-scene expenses.
"That's helped us stay in the black this year. We can't express the thanks to the community enough and how big the support has been, from the wristbands to the fireworks," he said.
The festival costs $225,000 annually.
Along with the traditional three nights of concerts, fireworks show and parade, several exciting changes are set to enhance the festival experience for attendees.
"We are thrilled to include several new activities to Wild West Fest this year, along with bringing back a third band to open each night," said Ridgway. "It has been many years since we have been able to feature so many bands during the festival, including some amazing local talent."
Additional activities during this year’s event include the cornhole league, on hand with board for play, the Nex-Tech Wireless photo booth and the Nex-Tech Cash Catch on stage at 6:40 p.m. nightly, with participants chosen from the crowd.
There will also be opportunities to win special concert mementos.
Each night at 9 p.m., a guitar featuring autographs from the evening’s headlining act will be auctioned in conjunction with a hidden bid auction and raffle at the festival merchandise tent, concluding at 9 p.m. each night. Various autographed items will be available.
VIP ticket holders who purchase the premium experience and those who buy official event merchandise will receive a custom playing card that serves as an entry to win framed song lyrics with the band’s autograph while supplies last.
Another significant change this year is that the entire festival grounds at Municipal Park, 100 Main St., will be open for beer consumption sold on-site, provided by the Hays Kiwanis Club. Beer will be served on the ground's east side, near the beer garden's historical location.
To purchase alcoholic beverages, attendees must buy a $2 wristband.
While the grounds will be open for consumption, no outside beverages will be permitted at the festival, and opened containers will not be allowed to leave the premises.
For VIP ticket holders, alcoholic beverages and meals are included in the ticket price. However, for those seeking an upgraded experience, a premium liquor upgrade will be offered for a $30 charge each night.
This year, VIP meals will be provided by Rose Garden Banquet Hall and Catering, Hilton Garden Inn and Union Catering Company.
Food trucks planned include Kitchen N’Stitchen, Western Sunset Creations, The Local Food Truck, Pfonz Smokehaus, Silvey Concessions, Sno Days, Texas Reds and the Hurricanes Swim team.
The Kansas Office of Veterans Services will also provide their mobile unit for on-site veteran information and assistance.
"We believe these changes will create a more welcoming environment while remaining family-friendly," Ridgway said in a news release. "It will also help keep ticket prices as low as possible in future years."
General admission tickets for the entire Wild West Festival will remain available throughout the event at Hays Dillons and Cerv's locations or at wildwestfestival.com for $30. Tickets at the gate are $40 per night.
VIP tickets are also available for $300 online or at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.
"We are blessed to live in an area where our community and business leaders see the value of community events like the Wild West Festival," he said. "Without our incredible sponsors, this not-for-profit event could not happen. We are immensely appreciative of their support.
"That support, in turn, helps other community organizations," he said.
"As a not-for-profit, we are proud to support many other groups who volunteer or use festival equipment throughout the year, including Fort Hays State University football, Hurricanes Swim Club, Hays Striders, Boy Scout Troops 101 and 133, Thunder on the Plains, Oktoberfest, Kiwanis and the Veterans Program by the Hays Larks," Ridgway said.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Wednesday, July 3
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
VIP access opens at 6 p.m.
Nex-Tech Wireless photo booth open 6-7:30 p.m.
Nex-Tech Cash Catch 6:40 p.m.
VIP/merchandise holder card drawing 8:50 p.m.
Guitar auction: 9 p.m.
Vyve Broadband and Eagle Radio T-shirt shoot 9 p.m.
Hidden Bid and Raffle ends at 9 p.m.
Scheduled performers: Reprise, Paramount and Nate Smith
Thursday, July 4
Fireworks Spectacular south of Hays near the 183 Bypass and Golf Course Road at 10 p.m.
Friday, July 5
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
VIP access opens at 6 p.m.
Nex-Tech Wireless photo booth open 6-7:30 p.m.
Nex-Tech Cash Catch 6:40 p.m.
VIP/merchandise holder card drawing 8:50 p.m.
Guitar auction: 9 p.m.
Vyve Broadband and Eagle Radio T-shirt shoot 9 p.m.
Hidden Bid and Raffle ends at 9 p.m.
Scheduled performers: Jake Dunworth, Savanna Chestnut and Sawyer Brown
Saturday, July 6
Main Street Parade at 10 a.m., Theme: 30 Years of Rootin’ and Tootin’
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
VIP access opens at 6 p.m.
Nex-Tech Wireless photo booth open 6-7:30 p.m.
Nex-Tech Cash Catch 6:40 p.m.
VIP/merchandise holder card drawing 8:50 p.m.
Guitar auction: 9 p.m.
Vyve Broadband and Eagle Radio T-shirt shoot 9 p.m.
Hidden Bid and Raffle ends at 9 p.m.
Scheduled performers: RoxSLYDE, Sunset Sinners and Quiet Riot
"The Wild West Festival committee has worked hard to ensure a fantastic experience for all attendees," Ridgway said. "We are thrilled to bring this year's lineup to western Kansas and hope to see everyone there."