WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - Wichita, being on the national stage yet again, is drawing in crowds from all across the country. Downtown is populated by thousands of people who don't call the city home. The fans at Naftzger Park's NCAA Fan Fest seem to be enjoying what Wichita has to offer. "It's awesom e. It's why I think I've stayed in patrol. I love to be out in the community, and I don't think there's any position that's better," Valerie Shirkey, Wichita Police Department Mounted Officer, said. From Shirkey's point of view, she has a clear view of the crowd, split between Wichita natives and out-of-towners, each with their own favorite part of the Air Capital. Cattle truck turned barbecue truck serves up food, aids charities at Intrust Bank Arena "Insomnia Cookies, Five Guys, a cheesecake restaurant," Texas Tech band member Ish Kabore said. The sights, food, and games are a natural icebreaker for Wichita residents and their fellow fans. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience regardless of if your team's here or not. Just stopped out here, man. Just stopped out, going to have some fun. Going to meet some new people, new connections. That's what the world's about," Will Courtroland, an Oklahoma fan from Wichita, said. With a weekend of parties and tournaments ahead, travelers are calling Wichita a perfect place to call home -- temporarily at least. "I've got to say Midwest friendly. You know, it's different from the coast, it's welcoming everyone's just happy to be here," SIEU fan John Gringogh said. The Fan Fest at Naftzger Park will be going through Saturday. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less