Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXVI
Admiral Windwagon XXXVI Dave Carter
After more than 30 years of participating in and volunteering for Wichita Festivals, Inc., and Riverfest, Dave Carter especially values his moment in the spotlight as he serves as Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXVI.
“As a fellow volunteer, it will be a fantastic honor to represent everyone who devotes time to the community by volunteering,” Dave said. “I look forward to sharing nine days of fun and excitement with the volunteers, sponsors and festivalgoers who make Riverfest one of the longest-running events of its type in the country”
Dave became directly involved with Riverfest in 1977 when for the first time he entered the antique bathtub races with some friends. Their entry was named the “Spirit of Wichita”, a colorfully decorated aircraft entry – a nod to Dave’s background and passion for the aviation industry.
Eventually, Dave was asked to chair the event, which ultimately led him to a spot on the Riverfest operations committee. In 2000, Dave served as Riverfest’s General Chairman. For all of his efforts over the years the International Festival and Events Association honored Dave with the IFEA/Zamebelli Fireworks Internationale Volunteer of the Year award.
Aside from his numerous hours involved with Riverfest, Dave helped chair the Wichita Flight Festival from 2005-2007. Dave’s background as a pilot and his experience having worked for several aviation manufacturers in Wichita helped get the event off the ground.
Dave is originally an East coaster, born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He made his way westward, graduating from Parks College of St. Louis University with a degree in aerospace engineering, settling in Wichita following graduation. Currently, Dave is the Director of Marketing and Technical Marketing for Raytheon Airline Aviation Services.
Dave’s family shares the same enthusiasm for Riverfest he does. Dave’s wife, Dianne, managed the timing and scoring functions of the tub races for years, while his son, Scott, manned the timing box to help score the races.
In addition to his work with Wichita Festivals, Inc., Dave enjoys flying – he has logged more than 4,800 flight hours as a pilot, Shocker basketball, having journeyed with the Shocks on their way to the Sweet 16 in 2006, home improvement and of course, volunteering!
Without Dave, the Festival would lose valuable expertise, a trusted role model and friend. As a result of his years of experience he provides continuity to both staff and other volunteers and has a true commitment to our mission of community celebration.
For more information about Dave, visit www.wichitariverfestival.com.
View a list of past admirals.
Dave Carter, Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXVl