Guymon tourism board approves funding for holiday events, pumpkin patch and raises big-grant cap

GUYMON, Okla. ' The Guymon Convention & Tourism Board on Sept. 18 approved multiple event funding recommendations and raised the board's large-grant reimbursement cap to $10,000, clearing the way for several holiday attractions and local events to seek final city approval.

The board voted to accept the final report for the 7 Days of Broadway youth theater program, approved up to $2,500 to support a community pumpkin patch operated by Lambethai/Artist Incubation and partners, approved a $30,000 request for the Chamber of Commerce's Home for the Holidays opening night, approved $15,000 for a Home for the Holidays New Year's Eve celebration, and voted unanimously to increase the big-grant cap from $5,000 to $10,000.

Why it matters: Those allocations are funded from the board's hotel-motel tax revenues and support events that attract visitors and overnight stays, a primary source of the board's revenue. The board's actions will move as recommendations to the Guymon City Council for final approval and, where applicable, require submission of receipts and final reports after the events.

Most significant votes and context

- 7 Days of Broadway final report: The board accepted the program's final report after a presentation by Miss Boyd (identified in the meeting as a schoolteacher involved with the program). Board members noted larger-than-usual attendance this summer and a waiting list for the camp; the motion to accept the final report passed on a voice vote.

- Pumpkin patch funding (up to $2,500): The board approved the recommendation to provide up to $2,500 toward a community pumpkin patch hosted by Lambethai/Artist Incubation in partnership with a local sorority. The motion passed despite two recorded nays (Ursula Wilson and Roscoe) and passed by the board majority. Board members and presenters stressed that this board-level approval is a recommendation; the expense will go to the City Council for final disbursement and requires submission of receipts and a final report.

- Home for the Holidays opening night (up to $30,000) and New Year's Eve celebration (up to $15,000): The board approved both requests. The Chamber of Commerce representative said last year's Home for the Holidays drew "close to over 25,000 visitors" for the month and about 4,000 people opening night; board members described the program as an established city attraction and unanimously approved the funding recommendations.

- Big-grant cap increase (from $5,000 to $10,000): The board voted to raise the maximum reimbursement available through its "big grant." Presenters said a $10,000 reimbursement would typically require applicants to spend about $20,000 (city/business match plus outside funds) and then be reimbursed up to $10,000. Board members said the increase responds to higher post-COVID costs and is intended to help smaller businesses take on larger improvement projects.

Budget context and next steps

Board members reviewed existing budget lines that affect these recommendations: the packet showed $12,000 set aside for community events and $25,000 for larger grants, plus a separate $90,000 allocation for convention assistance. Staff said the convention-assistance category could cover some of the event requests, but final disbursement of funds is subject to City Council approval. Presenters were repeatedly reminded to attend the council meeting (the council hears these items in October) and to submit receipts and final reports after events to obtain reimbursement.

Votes at a glance

- Approve minutes, regular meeting 06/19/2025: Motion by Stover; second by Gutierrez. Vote: Wilson (Aye), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Carrasco (Aye), Stoberg (Aye). Outcome: Approved.

- Approve final report: 7 Days of Broadway (presenter: Miss Boyd): Motion by Ronnie; second by Anahi. Vote: Wilson (Aye), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Carrasco (Aye), Anne Stoberg (Aye). Outcome: Approved.

- Approve funding up to $2,500: Pumpkin patch (Lambethai/Artist Incubation): Motion by Stover; second by Tierra. Vote: Ursula Wilson (Nay), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Roscoe (Nay), Stover (Aye). Outcome: Approved (majority).

- Approve funding up to $30,000: Chamber of Commerce, Home for the Holidays opening night (presenter: Miss Hughes/Otis): Motion by board member; seconded. Vote: Wilson (Aye), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Carrasco (Aye), Stoberg (Aye). Outcome: Approved.

- Approve funding up to $15,000: Chamber of Commerce, Home for the Holidays New Year's Eve celebration (presenter: Otis): Motion by Stover; second by Wilson. Vote: Wilson (Aye), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Carrasco (Aye), Stover (Aye). Outcome: Approved.

- Increase big-grant cap from $5,000 to $10,000: Motion by chair (Ursula Wilson exercised as chair to recommend; moved by board member); second by Carrasco. Vote: Wilson (Aye), Redcorn (Aye), Gutierrez (Aye), Carrasco (Aye), Stover (Aye). Outcome: Approved.

What board members and staff emphasized

Board and staff repeatedly reminded presenters that the Convention & Tourism Board makes funding recommendations; City Council must approve expenditures before funds are released. Staff also noted the board must follow the board's process: applicant submission, council approval where required, event execution, submission of receipts, and final-report approval before reimbursement.

The board set the next CT meeting for Oct. 16 and told presenters to attend the council agenda where the council will consider these recommendations.

Ending

Board members thanked volunteers and event organizers for their work and encouraged coordination with city staff on budgeting and council presentation logistics.