Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXV
Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXV, Gary Gibbs has been a proud supporter of Riverfest since the mid 1970’s - both as an employee of a sponsor and volunteer.
“It truly is an honor… and I’m shocked to be selected,” said Gary. “Riverfest is still the best thing in town.”
If there’s anything heavy to be lifted before and during the Festival, Gary is the one who makes sure it gets done - he’s managed to figure out how to move 500,000 pounds before! For Riverfest, there are heavy items like the food court ticket booths, fencing, stages, platforms and more that can only be lifted by machine, which Gary runs.
Gary first began assisting Riverfest setup in the mid-1970’s when the company he worked for, Belger Cartage Service, was asked to provide a flat bed trailer for a concert stage. Then the next year they were asked again to use the same trailer, and every year thereafter.
In 1977, Gary became the manager for Belger Cartage Service and provided even more help to Riverfest. His experience with forklifts, flatbed trailers and moving heavy items has been invaluable to the Festival year after year.
In 1998, Gary retired from Belger, after 37 years. That same year he was asked to become an “official” member of the Wichita River Festival® Operations Committee. And he accepted. “It’s been 10 years of awful hard work,” he laughs.
The operations committee is dear to Gary’s heart. He said whenever anyone needs anything other committee members are always willing to help- “you may even get 15 or 20 of them!”
Gibbs’ community involvement goes beyond the festivals WFI produces. He has been involved as a board member, president or general member of the following organizations: Wichita Executive Association; Association of General Contractors of Kansas; Wichita Motor Carriers Association; and president and founder of Haysville United Methodist Church Men’s Club.
When not wearing his red coat, Gary will be wearing his red shirt. Heavy items still need to be moved for Riverfest!
Gary was born and raised in the Wichita area and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara. They have two children Greg, wife Kima, and Lisa, husband Terry and four grandchildren Nicole, Sara, Eric and Michael. They will be watching him during Riverfest and enjoying seeing him in his red jacket!
View a list of past admirals.
Gary Gibbs, Admiral Windwagon Smith XXXV