Alba tourism committee approves $15,000 toward college rodeo stock charges

The Alba Tourism and Convention Development Committee voted to approve up to $15,000 to help cover stock charges for the Northwestern college rodeo scheduled Oct. 30–Nov. 1. Committee members voted in favor after the rodeo coach outlined expected attendance, regional participation and economic benefits to local hotels and restaurants.

The coach said the rodeo is the final fall event in the region and typically draws more competitors and families than earlier stops. "We're asking for the same thing that we have in the past couple of years, which is $15,000 to help cover stock charges," the coach said, and noted last year's total stock charge was $19,650.

Committee members discussed logistics and timing after the coach described changes to the competitor schedule intended to spread arrivals across more days. The coach said the program expects increased entries this year and emphasized the event's local impact: "hotels will be full. People will be eating and things like that." Committee members expressed support and moved to fund the request.

A motion to approve the application to exceed $15,000 passed; individual members recorded voting "yes." The committee did not attach additional conditions or amendments to the award during the meeting.

The committee packet shows the rodeo will include a jackpot event Sunday and serves as a fundraiser for the college program. Committee staff did not provide a follow-up timeline for disbursement during the meeting. Committee members said they expect the increased visitor traffic to benefit local businesses and will monitor outcomes after the event.

The committee's next regular meeting will continue routine business and post-event reviews were mentioned as possible future agenda items.