Prowers Lodging Panel Funds May Events

Original Concept Submitted for Lodging Panel Logo

Four of the five funding requests to the Prowers Lodging Tax Panel were approved by board members during their monthly meeting, Monday, February 19.  The annual Wild West BBQ Contest is partnering with the Cinco de Mayo celebration this year at Willow Creek Park, and there are plans to include a Low Rider Car Show for the two day event set for May 10 and 11 this year.  While the BBQ contest will remain in place, Cinco de Mayo events will be moved from the North Side Park.  Organizers had requested $6,000 to market and publicize events, but received $4,000 from the board as by-laws prevent funding of merchandise items.  A portion of the request would have been used to rent kid’s inflatable rides. 

Two future rodeo events received funding for May.  Cade Spitz outlined the May 16 – 18 Colorado Junior Rodeo Association that will be held at Lamar Community College as well as the May 17 – 19 Colorado State High School Rodeo set for the Prowers County Fairgrounds.  Spitz said approximately 500 contestants will converge in Lamar for the two events.  The board approved $4,000 for the Junior Rodeo and $7,000 for the State High School Rodeo.  The funds will be used for contract fees and for marketing. 

Pat Palmer’s request of $1,500 for contract fees for a May 11 draft horse exhibition and rides was approved.  The funds will also go to contract fees for the Willow Creek Park event which will run during the BBQ contest and Cinco de Mayo.  Palmer said the exhibition will be located on the west side of the park, the same site as last year. 

A request for $500 to help fund the annual Girls in the Middle conference at Lamar Community College did not receive funding.  Organizers Becky Navarette, Amy Rosengrants-Smith and Deana Siemsen outlined the history of the gathering, which focuses on helping empower young girls in their future career choices.  Because the money would be used for specific material purchases and not on advertising the event, the request could not be approved.  If any woman’s group or civic organization would like to help contribute to the March 2 conference, they should contact Becky Navarette at 336-7486 ext. 151 as soon as possible.

The panel received a check from the state for $18,814.63.  That money was generated in 2012 by the 2% motel tax levied in the county for motel use.  There are still two openings on the panel at this time.  Persons who are employed in some form of tourism related occupation and would want to serve for either a three or two year term, can get an application form from the Lodging Panel which will be considered by the Prowers County Commissioners who select panel members.  Contact Carla Scranton at 336-2384 for additional information.  The Lodging Tax Panel meets monthly at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn.

By Russ Baldwin