Rodeo update

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  November 6, 2019. Wayne Batty, County Fair Chair, told commissioners that the County Fair which will be held August 17 -22 would have less funding. This year they made about $70,000, which is $2,100 less than last year.

The Rodeo was biggest loss this year.  Last year they made about $22,000 this year about $14,000. The Fair contracts with Broken Heart Rodeo to do the rodeo, get the contestants and do the advertising for about $15,700. The announcer was paid separately.

Not all of the events were filled with contestants.  “If we are not filling up the events should we pay the full price?” Batty asked.   Commissioner Sim Weston said, “He works hard to fill the spots.”

Commissioner Norm Weston agreed that Broken Heart Rodeo puts on a good rodeo.  “It is to our advantage to fill the events up.  Do we have any recourse if the spots don’t fill up?”

Jades Roping Steers were used, the budget was $1500 but they only paid him $1000.  Arena volley ball made money. Fun run took in $145 but spent a little more. The Junior Rodeo made $9,000 with a profit of $1,400. Much of the profit came from donations.

The gate was only $1800 because so many contestants and parents did not have to pay. They made $1600 on rodeo entrance fees. They had to pay for extra stock for the rodeo and this year there was only one buckle donor.  Concert with Saddle Strings brought in $2000 less than the year before. 

Commissioners told Batty to look at the rodeo promoter and see what could be done when he doesn’t get the spots filled.  They asked if more local contestants would increase attendance at Friday night rodeo. 

Commissioners wanted Batty to see if the rodeo promoter would allow the  county to fill the empty spots with local people. Norm Weston felt that local kids from the Junior Rodeo should be spotlighted on the first night to increase attendance. 

Batty suggested a permanent facility for the Junior Rodeo.  The Junior Arena has no stand for an announcer.

 

There also needs to be a built up stage or a portable stage instead of the flatbed trucks they are using now.  They plan on reorganizing events such as moving the concert from the Jackpot arena because the  music from the concert is too loud for the announcers at Jackpot.

The fair paid sanitation $1400 for Porta Potties, Batty suggested making a permanent restroom this year coordinating with USU extension on funding.