Prowers Lodging Panel Funds Multiple Events

Seven requests for event funding were approved by the Prowers Lodging Tax Panel during their monthly meeting, Tuesday, March 20, for approximately $47,500.  One item, funding the annual Discover Magazine advertisement, was continued until the April meeting. 

Representatives of the events outlined their need for funding, principally for advertising and some contract fees.  The events included the Holly Bluegrass Festival June 8-10, the Colorado Junior Rodeo May 11-13, the Southeast Colorado All Stars High School Rodeo May 19-21, Lamar Days activities, including the Car Show, Wild West BBQ Contest and Carnival and related events, the Colorado State High School Rodeo Finals June 6-10, three racing events at the Prowers County Motorsports Park this summer and fall and a Share the Spirit Foundation Fundraiser in October.  Not all the requests were fully funded. 

A 2% local motel lodging tax generates funds which the panel allocates to events promoting tourism in Prowers County.  The majority of the most recent funds were a carry over from the state for 2011.  There was discussion about the need for event organizers to provide follow up information on how many motel room rentals their events produced.  Several ideas have been proposed to hold the organizers accountable for providing the motel information.

By Russ Baldwin