The Office of Engagement lead efforts to ensure Wichita State had a presence during the 2021 Riverfest Parade. During previous years, the parade is held in the summer. Due to the pandemic, the parade was held in October, which made it easier for WSU to be involved.
In addition to moving the month, the events of the parade itself were adjusted. Instead of lining the street and watching the parade pass by, attendees remained in their cars and drove by the parade entries, which were lined up on both sides of Main Street in downtown Wichita. Shocker Sound Machine, the WSU Dance Team, the Shift Space student group and the Office of Engagement staff all attended and lined up on Main Street during the parade. Along with highlighting WSU groups during the parade Shocker Sound Machine won the best band and a $500 check.
The Office of Admissions also provided the first 200 cars that drove through the reverse parade with a goody bag including information about Wichita State.