County helps cash-strapped Fallon rodeo

FALLON - Churchill County will pay $25,000 to keep Fallon's largest spectator event going this year.

Organizers of the Silver State International Rodeo feared it would have to be canceled after they were unable to find funding for the nearly 500 additional stalls needed at the arena.

A special meeting of county commissioners was held Wednesday, at which the Parks and Recreation Department also agreed to help by purchasing $15,000 in panels.

"It's our responsibility as a whole to take action and assist SSIR for the benefit of the community," said Gwen Washburn, chairwoman of the county commission. "However, we must be within restraints of the law."

Lyle De Braga, president of the rodeo, formally presented the problem to the commissioners, and a discussion as to the availability of funds and the guideline of the law ensued.

"If you build it, they will come," said Marcia de Braga, project director of the rodeo, which is scheduled for July 3-8.

The rodeo has been held in Fallon for the past 20 years, and has an economic impact of more than $1 million, local officials have said. With approximately 30,000 visitors, restaurants, service stations, hotels, casinos and other businesses see the impact.

Rodeo officials agreed to purchase $25,000 in panels then give them to the county in lieu of rental fees. This will cover $65,000 of the $83,000 needed to purchase all necessary panels and shading for the rodeo.

"This is our 21st year and too late to change the location at this point," said de Braga. "Last year was our biggest year ever." She said 500 contestants signed up in 2005.

Deputy District Attorney Rusty Jardine read the county purchasing act, Chapter 332, which stated that the county could make a purchase of up to $25,000 without sending out to formal bid.

The county had already approved for Parks and Recreation to purchase 52 panels.

"We were planning to purchase 52 panels at approximately $5,000, and we have a total of $15,000 available," said Jim Moore, Parks and Recreation director.

Moore agreed to use the funds to purchase panels for use by rodeo as well as other groups for events. Moore also said Parks and Recreation would permanently install more panels on the event site.

"We actually have room for 180 additional stalls to permanently be installed."

Rodeo organizers' next step is to go to city officials for the additional support needed.

• Contact reporter Viktoria Pearson at vpearson@lahontanvalleynews.com.