Walnut
Valley Festival Reflects
Winfield, Kansas ? As the 51st Walnut
Valley Festival drew to a close on Saturday, September 16, festival organizers
took the opportunity to honor staff, key personnel and entertainers for their
dedication and commitment to the event.
Executive Director Bart Redford recognized the
efforts of eight people on Stage I — Andy May, Rick Meyer, Kris Platter, Kendra
Redford, Alan Rush, Greg Smyer, Jim Stevens, and Tim Sidebottom. Of the eight,
six were on stage for the presentation. Rick Meyer, long-time grounds director
for the festival, was in hospital but received a moving ovation, as the crowd
recognized the critical contributions he has made to the event for many years.
Kendra Redford, previous WVF owner and
wife of the late Bob Redford, was honored posthumously in a touching tribute by
Seth Bates, author of “Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival.”
Andy May was recognized for his long-time
support of the festival, and as the originator of Andy May’s Acoustic Kids. The
program provides support and mentorship to young artists, getting them on stage
in front of a supportive crowd, often for the first time. Since its debut at
Walnut Valley Festival in 1991, Acoustic Kids has become a part of Merlefest
and Guitar Town as well.
WVF Grounds Director Rick Meyer oversees
the setup, operations, and teardown of the week-long event. Meyer operates in a
similar capacity for the Cowley County Fair and other groups who use the
fairgrounds and other parks in Winfield.
Supply Chief Kris Platter was recognized
for her many years ensuring that stages and site offices were stocked with the
supplies they needed for operations during festival.
Greg Smyer was recognized for running
sound on the contest stage and acting as WVF’s in-house liaison with other
sound companies.
Jim Stevens and Alan Rush were both
recognized for their work in ensuring the success of the juried arts and crafts
show. Rush and his late wife, Paulette, for many years worked as a team to
oversee the craft show. Jim Stevens took over the administration of the arts
and crafts fair after the Rushes. He retired in 2022 and was honored for his
contributions to that important part of the festival.
Tim Sidebottom is coordinator for stage
and sound, but is also known as the crew historian and morale officer. His
contribution to “Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival” includes many humorous
anecdotes and some of the lore of Walnut Valley Festival.
Executive Director Bart Redford: “I am
grateful to each of the honorees, and I appreciate Seth Bate for his
willingness to say a few words in honor of my mother, Kendra Redford. I am glad
to see that this has become a part of our annual event, to take a moment to
recognize a few of the hundreds of staff and crew and entertainers who make
Walnut Valley Festival what it is.”
