Lodging Panel Provides Funds for Oktoberfest Car Show

Ron Cook, long affiliated with car shows in the Lamar community, requested and received $1,500 for advertising costs for a car show and Toys for Tots Fun Run for Lamar’s Oktoberfest, October 4 on East Beech Street.  The request was the only one before the Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel during their monthly meeting, Tuesday, June 17.

Cook said interest is developing with the car shows as indicated by the increased participants during the recent Lamar Days events.  “We went from 89 last year to 147 entries this past May,” he told the panel members, stating that interest is also growing for the 18^th annual fall car show out of Pueblo and Colorado Springs clubs.  “There will be a $20 entry fee we’ll donate to Toys for Tots,” and Cook said $2,500 was raised during last year’s event.  “We’re also planning to produce around 300 tee shirts for the event that we’ll sell for $12 and Toys for Tots will be donated 50% of those proceeds,” he explained.

Some other Oktoberfest activities include the Brats and Beers for Boobies 5K Walk/Run that benefits Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative and of course, the traditional vendors, music, entertainment and beer garden associated with the annual fall festival, sponsored by the Lamar Chamber of Commerce.

The Lodging Panel noted a $10,624 check for May lodging taxes was received in June from the state, bring the panel’s financial balance to $20,012.  $9,500 approved for the LCC Antelope Stampede has yet to be paid from that balance.

Prowers County Commissioner, Wendy Buxton-Andrade said a measure to provide transparency on how the lodging funds are dispersed throughout the state to other, similar panels, didn’t make it through committee.  “If we intend to pursue the matter, it’ll probably have to be brought forward with different sponsors next year,” she explained.

It was noted that a come and go celebration will be held at the Lamar Welcome Center on Friday, June 27, from 1-4pm as Panel Board member, Judy Douglass, winds up her 14 year career as manager of the Center.  She is being replaced by Leslie Stagner, who will also be on hand that afternoon and will begin her duties as manager on June 30.

By Russ Baldwin