WICHITA, Kansas – Sedgwick County officials are alerting the public to possible fraud involving three vendor and food festivals advertised on Eventbrite for November. The county says none of the events have completed the required application process or received official approval to operate in Sedgwick County Park.

Events lacking permits

According to the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, the first event – the Wichita Fall Artisan Trade and Vendor Expo – is listed for this weekend but has not been authorized. Two additional festivals, also promoted on the ticket‑selling platform, are similarly missing permits. County investigators discovered that the organizers never submitted the standard paperwork, which includes insurance verification, safety plans, and a fee schedule.

Vendor complaints prompt deputy involvement

Local vendors who signed up for booth space reported losing money after paying fees to the event promoters. When refunds were denied, several vendors filed complaints with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are now reviewing the transactions and working with the county’s legal counsel to determine whether criminal fraud statutes have been violated.

County’s response and public guidance

County Attorney John Doe issued a statement emphasizing that the county will not tolerate unapproved commercial activity in public parks. “Our priority is to protect taxpayers and ensure that any event held on county property meets safety and legal standards,” he said. The county is urging anyone who has purchased tickets or booth reservations to contact the Parks and Recreation office immediately to confirm the legitimacy of the event.

Residents are also asked to verify event details directly with the county before making any payments. The Parks and Recreation Department can be reached at (316) 555‑1234 or via email at [email protected]. The county will post updates on its official website and social media channels as the investigation progresses.

How to spot legitimate events

County officials recommend the following steps to avoid fraudulent listings:

• Check the county’s online event calendar for approved permits.
• Confirm that the event organizer has a valid business license listed with the Kansas Secretary of State.
• Look for clear refund policies and contact information on the ticket‑selling site.
• Contact the county’s Parks and Recreation office if you have any doubts.

By taking these precautions, community members can help protect themselves and preserve the integrity of Sedgwick County’s public spaces.

Looking ahead

The county plans to increase oversight of all public‑park events in the coming months. A new review checklist will be posted on the county website, and staff will conduct spot checks of upcoming festivals to ensure compliance with safety and permitting requirements.

For now, the Sedgwick County administration remains committed to safeguarding residents from fraudulent schemes while keeping the county park open for legitimate community gatherings.

Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.