Pandemic slows opening of new Kansas event center, but a festival will show it off

Like seemingly everything during the pandemic, Dan Stockemer’s construction of a new event center at his Prairie Hill Vineyard at Stockemer Farm in Colwich has not quite gone according to plan.

“It’s just unbelievable how slow everything goes,” he said.

One small example: “It took us six weeks to get a simple electrical box in.”

Stockemer had planned to open the new 12,000-square-foot venue, which will hold 500 people, in September or October. Now, he’s hoping it will be done by December.

One issue seemed to compound another as Stockemer waited on materials, he said.

At one point, he had to store large amounts of insulation on the ground under tarps before he was ready to do the installation. Stockemer said there was so much, he didn’t realize until he went to use it that some of it had been stolen. He then had to wait on a reorder, which took a while.

Though he’s still waiting on some materials and inspections before he can have full occupancy, Stockemer said he’s able to use the ballroom portion of the center. However, guests don’t yet have access to bathrooms or the rest of the center. Stockemer said they can use bathrooms outside instead.

“They’re like porta-potties only they’re much nicer.”

As Stockemer takes bookings for 2022 — he said they’re filling up nicely — he has four events of his own slated as well.

The first is a fall harvest festival from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday with hot air balloons, kites, a beer garden and 40 vendors.

“It’s supposed to be a nice, clear day,” Stockemer said.

He also plans Christmas and spring events.

Part of his plan is to show off the new event center, Stockemer said.

Also, he said, “It’s a fun place just to come out and walk around.”

This story was originally published October 18, 2021 at 5:00 AM.