After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Smoky Hill River Festival is set to return to Oakdale Park September 2-5, 2021. As part of its commitment to positively impact its community, Vortex Companies is proud to be a sponsor of the festival, including the sponsor of the 2021 admittance wristbands.

A staple of the arts in Salina, the four-day event will celebrate 45 years of highlighting the arts in the community. The 2021 edition of the festival will feature four stages, 158 artists, 151 performances and 35 food vendors.

“The Smoky Hill River Festival is one of the region’s greatest art festivals and Vortex Companies is proud to support one of our community’s premier events,” said Travis Young, President & CEO of Vortex Global.

Over 40 acts from around the world will share their craft and showcase musical styles from rock to international folk to jazz. Headliner acts include Cowboy Mouth (an alternative rock band from NewOrleans), Phantom Blues Band (two-time Grammy winners from Los Angeles) and Sunset Sinners (whisky-barrel rock and a fusion of Southern and ‘70’s rock with red dirt country).

In lieu of traditional admittance buttons, the 2021 event will feature wristbands.The wristbands, sponsored by Vortex Companies, are $15 and provide access to all four days of the festival. Vortex Companies employees and members of the public can purchase wristbands from the reception desk at the company headquarters at 1725 Vortex Avenue, Salina, KS. Wristbands can also be purchased at the gate ($20 for all four days or $10 daily). Children 11 and under receive free admission.

Festival hours are Thursday, Sept. 2 from 4 to 10pm, Friday/Saturday Sept. 3-4 from 10am to 10pm and Sunday, Sept. 5 from 10am – 5pm. For a full list of musical acts, food vendors and artists and to learn more about the event, visit riverfestival.com.