Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
In a move that ensures the continued survival of the annual Calapooia Rodeo, the Sweet Home Economic Development Group Board of Directors has agreed to take over the rodeo.
The SHEDG board agreed to pay back three individuals who loaned the rodeo $5,200 to cover 2005 rodeo costs.
Revenue from the rodeo fell short of covering the costs to produce the event when rain kept spectators home.
The rodeo is held over Sportsman’s Holiday, the second weekend in July, each year. The event celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.
The rodeo committee approached SHEDG last month with a request for help to pay back at least one of the individuals who loaned money to the rodeo. SHEDG board member Kevin Strong and the finance committee met with the Kellie Kem of the rodeo committee to gather further information about the rodeo’s financial position.
Strong reported back to the SHEDG Board during its regular meeting on Aug. 17.
In talking with the rodeo, “they were supportive and eager to work on a partnership,” Strong told the SHEDG Board. “We discussed possible ideas going forward to ensure success.”
The problem the rodeo has had is that it hasn’t had enough cash to be able to promote the event ahead of time, Strong said. “Partnering with us, I’m excited that we could help continue the long successful tradition the rodeo has had in Sweet Home.”
The rodeo committee was looking to SHEDG to pay off loans and handle the rodeo’s finances and checkbook, Strong said. The rodeo committee was open to having SHEDG operate the promotional side of the event.
“The positive I got from talking to them is they realize that they don’t like doing that (dealing with the finances),” board member Ed Spencer said. “They’re more than willing to let us manage their finances. I look at it as something we can invest in.”
“They want to run a rodeo,” Strong said. “I’m open and excited. If we’re involved, it’s guaranteed to continue.”
“Again, it’s something going on in Sweet Home,” board member Herb Heier said. “It brings people into town.
“To me, that’s what we’re all about is getting more things happening,” SHEDG President Ron Moore said. “If five years from now they’re healthy again, I’m all for it (returning the rodeo’s autonomy).”
“Oh, my gosh, we are so excited, all of us,” Kem said. “That’s what it’s all about. The whole reason we do it is for Sweet Home.”
“It still goes back to the Jamboree, which wouldn’t be around if someone hadn’t dug into their pockets,” Heier said.
Heier referred to the mid-1990s when the Jamboree lost money. SHEDG board members at the time loaned money to the event in combination with a loan from Linn County to float the annual event. The Jamboree began making a profit and eventually paid back all of the persons who loaned money to it.
The rodeo committee will bring a budget proposal to the SHEDG board as part of SHEDG’s annual budgeting process. That budget would be subject to board approval. Proceeds from the rodeo event would go to SHEDG.
Spencer said he hoped money could by funneled back into the rodeo to make it stronger.
“Let’s hope for profits,” Kem said. “Let’s hope we can give it back to the community and improve our city. That’s what it’s all about.”