History of Admiral Windwagon Smith
Elements which had significant and lasting impact on the Festival fell into place during 1974. Pat Brooks, director of WFI at the time, visited other festivals throughout the country and learned through her contacts in International Festivals Association that the Festival needed to center around one theme and one symbolic or key figure. Additionally, most successful festivals had one primary support organization which provided a base of volunteers. Brooks and Mobley, a former WFI director, discovered a little known Walt Disney cartoon film that captured the imagination of all. The film was about the legendary Admiral Windwagon Smith, who sailed across the prairies, in his windwagon. The western theme and the design and creation of a windwagon were all elements which helped establish the theme for the Wichita Wagonmasters, a group that was formed to primarily serve as support for the Festival organization as well as to serve as official hosts for the city. A design for the windwagon was drawn, which included a sailing ship with wheels for prairie travel. After completing the drawing, Star Lumber volunteered to donate all the materials except the antique wheels which were purchased at an antique store in El Dorado. Approximately two months were spent on the construction of the windwagon. The first Admiral Windwagon Smith was John Bell
Admiral Duties
Admiral Windwagon Smith is an important symbol of the Wichita River Festival, serving as an ambassador for the Festival, but not the official spokesperson. As a primary promotional tool of the Festival, the Admiral must take time away from private business ventures for public speaking engagements and appearances both prior to and during the Festival. Appearances include visits to health and education centers, presentations to civic and professional organizations and all activities directly related to the Festival.
Process for Selection
Selection of the Admiral is based on the person’s direct experience with and support of the Wichita River Festival and the capacity and ability to serve in the role. Race and/or gender are not a qualification for selection. Nominations for Admiral may be submitted to the executive director of WFI by the captain of Wichita Wagonmasters, head of the Past Admiral’s Windwagon Smith (PAWS) organization, WFI board of directors and WFI standing committees. The list of nominees and their biographical information will be presented to the WFI board of directors at the regularly scheduled December meeting of the board. Eligible voting members will complete a ballot indicating their acceptance or rejection of those individuals submitted as candidates. A majority of voting members present will determine the final list of candidates submitted to the PAWS for consideration. Final selection of the Admiral is made by the PAWS and must be completed in early January of each year.
Past Admirals
I, 1974 - John M. Bell
II, 1975 – Fred Kimball
III, 1976 – Fred Menefee
IV, 1977 – Richard Minkler
V, 1978 – David E. Norris
VI, 1979 – Jim Remsberg
VII, 1980 – Tom Allen
VIII, 1981 – Bill Cozine
IX, 1982 – Jack Lashley, Sr.
X, 1983 – Mitch Mitchell
XI, 1984 – Sam Mobley
XII, 1985 – Ralph Hight
XIII, 1986 – Dean Norris
XIV, 1987 – Frank Hoover
XV, 1988 – Don Elliott
XVI, 1989 – Al Higdon
XVII, 1990 – Ed Sykes
XVIII, 1991 – Larry Jones
XIX, 1992 – Kevin Jones
XX, 1993 – Paul Parker
XXI, 1994 – Jim Hand
XXII, 1995 – Bob Goebel
XXIII, 1996 – Dave Hill
XXIV, 1997 – Greg Harman
XXV, 1998 – Rigby Carey
XXVI, 1999 – Linda Davidson
XXVII, 2000 – Robin Spurrier
XXVIII, 2001 – Mike Stout
XXIX, 2002 – Mike Graf
XXX, 2003 – Bob Thompson
XXXI, 2004 – Ron Hayworth
XXXII, 2005 – Bob Dool
XXXIII, 2006 – Bob Harbison
XXXIV, 2007 – Jim Hattan
XXXV, 2008 – Gary Gibbs
XXXVI, 2009 – Dave Carter
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