Lodging Panel Funds Car Show

The Prowers Lodging Tax Panel approved funding for the 2^nd Annual Downtown Custom and Classic Expo set for downtown Lamar and East Beech Street August 16-17.  The funding, $3,500, will go toward marketing and advertising for the car show which will offer five bands and a mature-material comedy show as well as custom designed and classic cars and motorcycles.

Panel members set a date for a committee group to discuss current by-laws and the possibility of their alteration which would allow greater leeway in advertising for Prowers County as a whole as opposed to single events. Member Chad Hart, who is also active in the tourism promotion group, Canyons and Plains, had initiated the idea several months ago.  “We pretty much follow the guidelines set up for Alamosa for their tourism group, but what I want to find out is the steps that were involved in that formation,” he explained, adding that he felt it would benefit the Prowers Panel if they could discuss those ideas with their Alamosa counterparts.

Panel members also reviewed current finances which are at $20,173. Panel members also have access to a Contingency Fund which was set up several years ago, but is usually untouched.  The Panel has one outstanding pledge of $15,000 earmarked for the Colorado Junior Rodeo Association finals which are held later in the year.  Historically, the Panel will receive another check from the state in May which is derived from the 2% lodging tax on motel/hotel room rentals in the county through the year.

By Russ Baldwin