Two Shot Goose Hunt Receives Lodging Tax Funding

The Annual Southeast Colorado Two Shot Goose Hunt is observing its 51st year in Lamar next month.  Rose Ann Yates and John Ritter detailed the plans for the three day hunt which will be held from Wednesday, November 29th through December 1st and requested marketing and contract funding from the Lodging Tax Panel during their meeting on October 17th.

Yates said at least 11 teams are coming from California, Texas, New Mexico and parts of Colorado, “We will have two celebrity teams this year, mostly from the sports world and we’re also sponsoring two teams of military veterans who will take part in our event,” she told the Panel. Yates and Ritter said some changes will be in effect this year, mostly in locations.  “We’ll be headquartered at the Trap Club to the west of the Cow Palace Inn and the Lamar Eagles Lodge will host most of the meals as well as the traditional dinner.  We’ll have catered lunches at the Club and the 4am Hunter’s Breakfasts will be offered at the Lamar Truck Plaza on Thursday and Friday,” she added.

Both Yates and Ritter explained that although there are only eleven teams attending and using motel rooms during their visit, the number of teams increased over the past several years. The Two Shot Hunt has helped develop additional events which bring more hunters into the community at different times of the year, all of which helps generate revenue for the community and the Lodging Panel.  “The money we raise from our activities has been used to support programs in the community,” said Yates, “from Lamar Area Hospice, the Share the Spirit Foundation, HOPE Center or Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative,” she added.  The Panel awarded $10,000 to the Two Shot event, the same amount as was awarded last year.

Three other requests, SE Colorado All-Stars Rodeo, Colorado Junior Rodeo Association and Canyons and Plains were tabled pending further action, but had received pledges of support from the Panel. Some of these events won’t occur until April and July of next year and the Panel delayed funding until its account balance had received quarterly payments from the State.

On other financial matters, the Panel received information from the Prowers County accountant who determined the organization is within its by-laws should it decide to help fund material or commodity purchases. This has been a matter of concern that received considerable thought and deliberation by the Panel since its inception.  Panel members will discuss this in greater detail at their November 14th meeting.  Panel office manager, Carla Scranton, provided figures indicating the Panel, since it came into existence in 2006, has donated $1,010,732 to fund 225 tourist related activities in Prowers County.  “This is based on the 2% tax levied on motel room use in Prowers County,” she explained.  Several Panel members expressed optimism over the potential funding that could be developed if the November 7th, 2A ballot is passed which creates a 5% additional tax on motel room use. Those extra funds will allow for greater leeway in usage, including salaries, office materials or grant matching funds.  A vacant position still exists on the Panel and interested parties are urged to contact the Prowers County Commissioners if they would like to be considered for a three year term.

By Russ Baldwin

Filed Under: City of LamarConsumer IssuesCountyEconomyEntertainmentEventsFeaturedRecreationSportsTourismTransportation

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