Drawings have been released, and fundraising is ongoing, for an entertainment stage at the Winfield fairgrounds that will honor the late Rick Meyer. Agora Architecture of Winfield provided concept rendering images.
The city of Winfield is teaming with the Walnut Valley Festival and Cowley County Fair on the project. Meyer died last fall after years of service both organizing and working for the city to set up countless fairground events. He was also very active in various other community activities and events.
The project will be funded in part by private donations.
The goal is to privately raise 25 percent of the $125,000 project costs.
The stage, located on the midway of the Fairgrounds just south of Barn 4, and west of the 4H food booth, will be used to accommodate smaller acts not suited for the larger grandstand space. This stage has been a vision of the three organizations for nearly five years.
Design of the stage includes an enclosed ceiling to prevent insect and bird related issues, equipment tracks for the mounting of performance speakers and lights and a free flow water design to accommodate fairgrounds flooding. A plaque will be in place dedicating the stage in honor of Meyer. (Continue story below ads.)
“Rick’s contributions were well known throughout the community and many non-profits, but particularly at the Walnut Valley Festival, the Cowley County Fair and the City of Winfield. The stage will be a lasting way for people to recognize Rick’s invaluable impact on the Winfield community. Community support is needed to make this vision a reality,” the city said in a written announcement.
All contributions will be tax-deductible and can be made through an online payment portal found here or by check to the city of Winfield at PO BOX 646, Winfield, KS 67156.
The project is planned to be completed and in place July 2025.
