50 years young
Posted on 01. May, 2010 by Katherine in play
words > TRACEY GARRETT
photos > DUSTIN CRAIG
In December of 1960, the dream of 21 investors came true, as the doors to the Cotillion Ballroom opened for the first time. Over the past 50 years, the Cotillion has provided Wichita and the surrounding area, with a wide variety of entertainment and activities: Louis Armstrong, Pat Benatar, Korn, Toby Keith, BB King, Jeff Foxworthy, Los Tigres del Norte, and the Cat Fancy Cat Show, just to name a few. With such a wide spectrum of entertainment, it’s easy to see how this venue has lasted for so long…or is it?
Richard Leslie, owner and manager of the Cotillion for the past 30 years says, we “plan to keep doin’ what we’re doin’.” That’s got to be the key…staying constant. Providing tickets with down to earth pricing, communicating with local media, and offering quality entertainment, in a safe environment, an environment some call home. Growing up around and eventually working with his father at the Cotillion, Richard calls the big round dome home.
In order to stay alive for 50 years, the Cotillion has had to progress with the times, while keeping its unique charm intact. You’ll find them in cyber-space on MySpace, Facebook, and their own website, thecotillion.com. They’re not far away from your cell phone either, offering specials and advanced information on upcoming shows by simply texting 41513.
Richard Leslie may be the legacy behind the Cotillion, but he gives credit to his people, “we have a great staff!” Richard and his staff will celebrate their 50th anniversary all year long, by continuing to provide a variety of entertainment and activities in a professional, yet comfortable setting, offering memories to the first time guest, or adding to the memories so many of us already have.
To Richard Leslie and his Staff at the Cotillion Ballroom, Happy 50th! Thanks for everything you do for us. Wichita wouldn’t be Wichita without you.
