Lodging Panel Funds 2019 Requests

 

Spreading Antlers Golf Course

 

A funding request for promotional materials from Spreading Antlers Golf Course was the only funding application to the Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel that wasn’t slated for 2019. Jack Van Hook and Ray Gilbert, representing the Golf Course, explained that the nine-hole course is leased from the City of Lamar for $1 per year and the Association is responsible for making ends meet.  Some exceptions for equipment are allowed.  Van Hook requested $2,500 for promotional brochures pertaining to the benefits of the golf course and the local amenities visiting golfers can enjoy.

“We had the brochures printed several years ago and we’re running low. We’d appreciate the funding for new brochures which will be distributed around the region in our effort to generate more golfers to the course,” Van Hook explained.  He and Gilbert explained that although there were about 200 members in the Association, some are starting age out from their membership which is having an impact on revenues. Spreading Antlers is generally considered one of the finer golf courses in southeast Colorado with competitively priced greens fees.  The Panel approved the application, noting the number of brochures should serve for a three year period.

J.J. Netherton of Lamar received $2,500 to promote a three day, All Truck Demolition Derby at May Valley Speedway for April 19-21st next year.  Netherton explained that after having been involved in derbies for numerous years, he plans to promote an aggressive approach for the three day competition featuring a higher prize purse for the winners.  He noted that the format of the Derby is also planned to maintain a higher usage of local motels instead of daily visitors and competitors.  “Lamar used to be well-known throughout the region as a hot spot for racing and demolition derbies and I want to organize future events that bring back the crowds and the racers we used to have.”

Car Show Entries

Ron Cook received $3,500 to promote his annual Lamar Days Rod Run and Car Show during Lamar Days, set next year for May 17-18 at Willow Creek Park and Sonic Drive-In. “This will be our 24th annual event and I think last year was the best ever for attendance with 147 entries,” he told the Panel.  The two day event features a Poker Run and Show and Shine on Friday at Sonic Drive-In which nets upwards of $1,200 for the annual 4th of July fireworks display and Cook hosts a similar event in the fall during the  Oktoberfest festival which benefits the annual BBB Drive and Toys for Tots.  The requested funding was the same as last year.

Danielle Wollert requested $6,000 for marketing, contract fees and advertising for the annual Southeast All-Stars Junior High and High School Rodeo set for Lamar next April 26-28th at the Prowers County Fairgrounds.  Wollert explained, “We had 172 contestants last year and we anticipate a larger group for 2019.  We generally average 64 rented motel rooms for a two night stay and that should be a little higher for our next rodeo contest.  The Panel approved the request which was the same amount as last year.

Two requests, one from the 2019 Snow Goose Festival and from the 2019 Sand and Sage Round Up Concert were tabled for discussion and any action until the next meeting for the panel, set for December 18th.  Carla Scranton, Panel Business Manager, noted the organization received its highest payout of the year from the 2% tax revenue levied on motel rooms in the county, at $31,248.51.  A portion of that, however, is attributable to the continued road construction this past year in the City of Lamar.  Ron Cook, County Commissioner Chairman, noted that there will be three vacancies on the Panel beginning in 2019 and qualified residents are encouraged to fill out an application.  Details are available at the Prowers County Clerk’s Office.

By Russ Baldwin

Filed Under: City of GranadaCity of HollyCity of LamarCity of WileyCountyEntertainmentEventsFeaturedRecreationThe ArtsTourism

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