Two Shot Festival Requests Lodging Panel Funding

Rose Ann Yates, representing the Two Shot Goose Hunt, requested $20,000 from the Lodging Tax Panel to assist with marketing expenses for the approaching annual event, set this year for November 28-30^th.

Yates noted that this year will mark the 52^nd annual event.  She estimated the cost for the year will be different, due to the addition of an annual memorial shoot for funding for Lamar Area Hospice which generates approximately $10,000 from registration fees.  Other shoots benefit the local FFA and as well as other organizations and those costs are reflected in the annual budget.

The majority of activities will be hosted at the Lamar Eagles Lodge including a banquet dinner on Saturday and early morning breakfasts at the Lamar Truck Plaza. Several years ago, a slight change in the hunting schedules have allowed additional teams to take part which has generated additional revenue.   Yates said about 75-85 rooms are rented over the three day period and there may be more with some relatives accompanying the shooters.  “We’re adding a check off box to the registration forms which will help us more accurately track the number of rooms rented,” she told the Panel.  The Panel receives its funding from a 2% lodging tax levied on all the motel rooms rented in Prowers County through the year.  The main criteria for receiving marketing funding is based on the number of motel rooms an event will attract.  The Panel voted to authorize $8,000 to the Two Shot Event for 2018.

The Panel will send a letter to the Prowers County Commissioners noting the availability of a board position. Once received, the Commissioners will advertise the opening for interested parties to apply to the County.  The Panel has attempted to have its membership reflect representation from all the towns within the County although it is not specifically required.  A candidate must reside within the county and have some working affiliation with the tourism industry.  The Panel meets the third Tuesday of every month at 4pm at the Lamar Chamber of Commerce offices.  The next meeting is set for November 20^th.

By Russ Baldwin