War Bonnet Round Up Advisory Committee

WAR BONNET ROUND UP RODEO ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, February 22, 2024 Recreation Center 11:00 a.m. Members in Attendance: K. Jones, K. Staten, B. Robertson, J. Newgard, B. Skinner, P. Holm, T. Fonnesbeck, S. Woolstenhulme, C. Price, T. Smith, R. Buchan, H. Pettingill, J. Stephens, E. Grossarth Members not in Attendance: B. Skinner Call to Order K. Jones called the meeting to order at 11:04am. Approval of Minutes T. Fonnesbeck motioned to approve the January 25th minutes. S. Woolstenhulme seconded. All in favor. Director Updates – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: • P. Holm passed out the War Bonnet budget showing revenue and expenses and discussed the line items. • He has confirmed with all our contracted officials but has not heard back from T.J. Korkow yet. • Thus far, P. Holm has only received one nomination for Volunteer of the Year, so this vote will be postponed until the next meeting. • A list of nominations for Legends of the War Bonnet was passed to committee members. K. Jones provided the background info on each candidate. K. Staten motioned to vote for Dean Oliver as 1st choice, Tom Ogawa as runner up and or 2026 pick, and Kevin Small as third choice and or 2027 pick. S. Woolstenhulme seconded. All in favor.  • P. Holm advised that the Mountain America Center security team will be putting in a bid for rodeo security and they said they can also usher which would be very helpful. Chair Report/Production – K. Jones K. Jones reported on the following: • The War Bonnet Association social is scheduled for April 27th at 6:00pm at the American Legion Hall. They will crown the new royalty, show appreciation to committee members and volunteers, etc. A reminder and more information will be sent out closer to the event date. • She advised that after speaking with P. Holm, he would like the future January War Bonnet meetings to confirm our committee leadership and be a follow-up for the PRCA. • March 16th will be the interviews for the new royalty members. • Matt Tarr, barrelman/rodeo clown is scheduled for 2026. Ryder Kiesner and Bethanie Iles are also scheduled for 2026. • K. Jones asked for confirmation for media day on Wednesday and P. Holm advised he’d reach out to the Rotary to see if they will be attending. Committee Reports Tribal Relations – S. Woolstenhulme S. Woolstenhulme reported on the following: • She was trying to get a meeting date with the Tribal Council but was advised future meetings this year regarding the War Bonnet will be handled by Echo Marshall and Cecilio instead of the entire council. S. Woolstenhulme would like to work with Echo to get a new tribal video in production for the rodeo. • S. Woolstenhulme asked if we should try to get a tee pee for the rodeo. She will see if Echo has any contacts of someone who has one that would be willing to set it up near the front gates. • It’s still too soon to confirm the dancers and drummers, but she expects the act will remain similar. P. Holm suggested we try and find a tribal elder in full regalia to ride horseback around the arena to enhance the tribal segment. Military Affairs/American Legion – B. Skinner (absent) Vice Chair/Hospitality/Sponsorship – K. Staten K. Staten reported on the following: • Sponsorships are well underway. There is a new rifle sponsor, so the city will no longer have to purchase the rifles, and the War Bonnet Association will handle all details involving the guns. • Budweiser made a bid for alcohol distribution, but Coors Tec stepped up their contributions and will remain in place.  • K. Staten has been meeting with our advertisers including Channel 8, Channel 3, and Rich Broadcasting. Channel 8 will handle digital marketing and we will not be working with cable. • She discussed the contestant tent, which will be branded the “Modelo Tent”, and ideas to provide some kind of activities for the contestants and their families, like providing cornhole, putting greens, etc. • The Wednesday Night Kick-off needs to be planned and she confirmed with P. Holm that we will be having the Mutton Bustin Qualifier at the kick-off. Marketing-Advertising/Tickets – R. Buchan R. Buchan reported on the following: • She asked for direction on the number of tickets we want to print versus sell on-line. The new reserved seating section will reduce the amount of general admission tickets by a thousand, so a reduction in printing or on-line sales needs to be decided. Committee members decided we should reduce the total number of tickets to be sold to 3900 per night and reduce printed tickets by 40%. • There was also discussion on needing better signage for our ticket outlets. • R. Buchan also reported that we have received funds from YTT that we can use toward our billboards. Facilities & Grounds & Security – J. Stephens & T. Smith J. Stephens reported on the following: • No arena updates other than the security bids coming in. There was also discussion on upgrading the room across from the board room, to be a place to entertain VIP’s or sponsors. • T. Smith asked if we want to continue with candlesticks and signage for traffic control. Committee advised yes. Communications/Public Information – E. Grossarth E. Grossarth reported on the following: • He advised that stats show there is not a lot of return for what is spent on billboards. Youth Rodeo/Family Night – C. Horsley (absent) Financial Report – C. Price C. Price reported on the following: • No updates except that she will start bringing budget stats to future meetings. Livestock Welfare – B. Robertson B. Robertson reported on the following: • He asked for confirmation on the slack date which is Thursday. He also asked about doing a break-a-way roping jackpot after slack. He would supply his own crew and use different cattle. Outreach – T. Fonnesbeck T. Fonnesbeck reported on the following: • He has been working on getting prices on information on hotel key cards with the War Bonnet brand. • He explained advertising ideas working with our local golf courses and photo ops around town. • He will be reaching out to restaurants on coloring pages for the kid’s menus. • There was discussion on a treasure hunt. • He will work on ideas for the Fourth of July parade. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 12:38 p.m. Next Meeting to be held March 21st.