The dedication of the 1861 Club, a watershed moment in the 20-year history of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF), coincides with the opening of the 111th Kansas State Fair.
In a recent conversation with KFF board member Brad Rayl, who was a major force in spearheading the project, he talked about the steps which made it all happen.
“As I remember, we wanted to create a constant source of revenue other than Boots and Bling,” Rayl said. “Our discussions included everything including constructing a tent on the fairgrounds.”
“In conversations with a local contractor, he urged us to do it right and build a nice structure on the grounds that could be used year-round,” Rayl continued. “So, we went from needing $700,000 to several million.”
Brad and his committee opted to take the latter path and attention turned to demolishing an old structure to the east of the Domestic Arts Building and replacing it with a venue that could serve the fair and public 365 days per year. Following a successful fundraising campaign, construction was underway.
“The 1861 Club is one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen anywhere in the United States,” Rayl said. “Following the fair, the club will be leased out for everything from wedding receptions to corporate retreats.”
“The building has an extremely high-end finish,” Rayl continued. “People should feel comfortable wearing everything from formal clothes to cowboy boots. Also, the structure is acoustically correct which is very important for bands that will perform in the club.”
Seated in the White House of the fairgrounds, Rayl seemed reflective as he ticked off the accomplishments of the KFF during its two decades of existence. “The White House was dedicated in 2014, the House of Capper last year and now the 1861 Club,” Rayl said.
And how, the interviewer asked Rayl, can the Foundation continue the momentum started in 2005?
“We need to continue to bring young talented and business minded people to the board that love the Kansas State Fair,” Rayl responded. “We always need a project to keep our efforts moving forward.”
Rayl is no stranger to the Kansas State Fair. He exhibited chickens as a child at the 1964 Kansas State Fair and eight years later returned with a load of Suffolk Sheep. In 1995, he was named to the Kansas State Fair Governing Board where he served for 25 years until 2020. Soon, Rayl was back promoting the State Fair as a member of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors.
One can assume Brad’s tenure with the State Fair has many more chapters to be written.
-Richard Shank