As the Kyle Evans Wagon Train Committee was brainstorming fundraising ideas for the future Kyle Evans Western Heritage Center, they looked to the fundraising process used when buildingtheDEXinHuron, trading opportunity as an example.
When raising funds for the DEX building, the idea of purchasing a space on the buildings interior wall and placing one’s brand upon it was used as both a way to recognize donors and add to the rustic feel of the building. The idea is to produce a similar display of local brands as an addition to the Kyle Evans Western Heritage Center to aid in fulfilling the vision for the center which is “to build a center that takes visitors back in time to experience the freedom, excitement and nature of cowboy life.”
The committee obtained some old barn wood from a donation and will give area producers and agriculturists with a brand the opportunity to display their brand in the new center for $250.
“We continued the discussion and said, you know, if you add a barbecue to it and make it a family affair it could be a great time,” said Wagon Train Committee Member Darrell Deneke.
Deneke said it was fellow committee member Mark Reindl who had the idea to also include a gun drawing for those that decide to have their brand enshrined in the new building.
“I’ll also take a professional photo during the branding and give a matted print to the brander to commemorate the occasion,” Deneke added.
Deneke said it’s not just anyone making the brisket, Rockin’ Ribfest participants from years’ past have been perfecting their recipes and will be cooking for the free will donation meal.
Smaller-sized buns will be served so that attendees can sample a variety of brisket. Also included are cowboy beans, chips and a drink.
In addition to branding action and a delicious meal, Deneke said that musical entertainment will be provided by local youth musicians Rylan Fagerhaug, Carter and Nathan Gaikowski along with Holden and Will Jackson.
“They’ll be singing a lot of Kyle’s songs and it will be a festive atmosphere. The city gave us permission to rope off Dakota Avenue and we will have our big Wagon Train tent up,” continued Deneke. “We will have two wagons on display including the Centennial Wagon the Buggy Seat Cowboys drove across the state.”
Committee members say that the future center will be open during special events in town such as the 4th of July, Wagon Train weekend, Foothills Days, WSHS Homecoming and Opera House concerts. They also added that if visitors are in town and want to experience the center, there will be a designated number to call.
“What’s so unique about the design of this building is that you will be able to walk up to the front windows and see the stagecoach and other memorabilia,” said Reindl. He also added that the1600 square foot, 40x40 building is designed to add on to it easily if more space is needed.
The estimated total for building construction is $200,000. Proceeds from the event will go toward construction of the center, which is scheduled to be built by Jensen’s Construction. So far, water and sewer infrastructure has been installed and the concrete foundation will be poured in the coming weeks.