Lodging Panel Okays Horse Puller Event for Lamar Days

Only one funding request came before the Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 17^th.  Now in its fifth year, the Arkansas Valley Horse Pullers group will appear for Lamar Days, scheduled for May 20^th at Willow Creek Park.  Palmer, who is the president of the Panel, excused himself from the funding vote, but did lay out the entertainment plans set for this year.

“The $1,500 will go to contract fees to help get the horses and wagons for Lamar Days as well as marketing and advertising,” he explained. Palmer said an obstacle course for the draft horses will be laid out as it has been in prior events, as well as a hay bale pulling contest and a feed team race.  “We’ll have some wagon rides around the area,” he stated.  The Panel authorized the full amount requested which was the same as last year.

Panel members generally agreed that even though it’s difficult to determine just how many motel rooms would be rented from this single event, similar past programs have contributed to the economic vitality of the community through other visitor purchases of food, fuel and products from local retailers.

In other business, Panel members welcomed Marty Campbell of Holly to the board as well as returning members, Norma Dorenkamp and Myrna Du Vall. DuVall will remain vice president with Jane Felter as secretary and Campbell was elected as the treasurer for 2017.

A check for $251 was received from the state which was a carry-over from 2016 motel tax proceeds. Carla Scranton, Panel business manager, said a much larger check is traditionally sent in February.  The Panel is operating with a healthy balance and has pledged funding to cover such annual events as the Holly Bluegrass Festival, Colorado Junior Rodeo Association finals and participation in a regional tourist oriented seminar set for next spring.  The next Lodging Tax Panel will meet on February 21^st.

By Russ Baldwin