Payson plans to unify bridal festival with North Hila County Fair to cut costs

The Payson Town Council held a work study meeting on May 6, 2025, focusing on community events and their financial implications. The discussions highlighted the importance of building relationships with local tribes and the potential for joint events, particularly in relation to the upcoming college rodeo.

A key point of discussion was the financial aspect of the rodeo, with council members questioning the town's revenue from ticket sales and camping fees. It was noted that the revenue generated is minimal, primarily coming from participants' families, and further details on the exact figures would be provided later.

The council also reviewed the costs associated with community events, specifically Payson Days, which was initiated for the town's fiftieth anniversary. The event has continued to evolve, with last year's expenses totaling around $18,000, slightly less than the budgeted $23,000. The event features fireworks, live music, and games, and is seen as beneficial for community engagement.

Additionally, the council discussed the Monster Mash event, which has been expanded from a simple trunk-or-treat to a more comprehensive Halloween celebration. Another exciting development is the combination of the bridal festival with the North Hila County Fair, which is expected to reduce costs and streamline event management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to fostering community spirit through events while being mindful of budgetary constraints. The council plans to continue evaluating the financial viability of these activities and their impact on local engagement.