Pryor Creek board approves $35,100 payment for Oakey Homestead Expo

The Pryor Creek Hotel-Motel Tax Allocation Board on Thursday approved payment of $35,100 to the Pryor Chamber of Commerce for the Oakey Homestead Expo.

The board heard brief remarks from Chamber representatives Cody Buck and Laura Bacon, who said Houston (surname) submitted required paperwork and that they were representing him at the meeting. "My name is Cody Buck. This is Laura Bacon. I'm with the Chamber. Houston said he submitted everything, and we are here representing on his behalf," Buck told the board.

Board members discussed the event's tourism value and asked the Chamber to provide an attendance breakdown if it seeks future funding. One board member said the primary purpose of hotel-motel funding is to attract visitors from outside Pryor Creek and suggested a future report showing where attendees came from. Chamber staff said they would provide that information.

Board discussion also described the Expo as a vendor- and seminar-focused event that filled the event barn last year, with presenters on homesteading topics and practical demonstrations that drew both regional vendors and visitors. Members noted the event had attracted large crowds and that organizers nearly moved the event to Oklahoma City because of rising costs at the fairgrounds; retaining the event locally was presented as a reason to support the payment.

The board moved and voted to approve the payment. Roll call showed Majors, Williams, Dickinson, Hawkins and Allen voting yes. The board did not record any no votes, abstentions, or recusals in the transcript.

Members asked that the Chamber provide a follow-up report if it returns for future funding so the board can verify that hotel-motel dollars are bringing nonresident visitors into Pryor Creek.

The board took the payment vote before moving to other agenda items.