Wichita Festivals, Incorporated said Wednesday its president and CEO has stepped down and three staff positions have been eliminated as part of what is called an “office retrenchment” resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Ty Tabing had served as president and CEO for ten months.  He said in a press release that revenue has been down 90 percent with the cancellation of this year’s Riverfest and it’s impossible to know when events and festivals will return to normal.  WFI also had to go virtual with its annual Autumn and Art event.  Tabing said dramatic moves are required to keep the doors open.

Wichita Festivals has also announced an emergency fundraising campaign.  The Hey Neighbor campaign will begin October 8th and there are plans for drive-through donation stations and other opportunities to contribute to the organization.     Teri Mott, director of marketing and communication at WFI said the campaign will be asking Wichita residents “What are your memories worth?” and it’s hoped that everyone connected to Riverfest will donate to help the organization continue.

WFI has also announced the postponement of the launch of Wonderfall, an event that was scheduled for the first week of November.   It will work with other organizations to create an art installation that will pay tribute to people and events that have shaped Wichita’s history in honor of the city’s 150th birthday.    “Depth of Field: A Wichita Photo Album” will be installed in windows in the downtown area, and it will begin November 6th at a First Friday event.   The display will be up through November 16th.

The popular River Run race, which has been a Riverfest event, will be presented virtually on November 7th.   Runners can register at RiverRunWichita.com.