Curry County commissioners approved a one-year contract on Jan. 8 to host the professional bull-riding tour “Challenge of the Champions” at the county fairgrounds, with the promoter’s contract price described in the presentation as just under $35,000.

County staff presenter Natasha told commissioners the fairgrounds arena now has a roof and can accommodate larger events; she said the promoter, identified in the presentation as Mr. Maddox, runs a traveling circuit and that this stop would be a one-day regular-season event that will be included on the tour and televised. The presenter said the county would control ticket pricing and keep concessions and vendor fees, and that fairgrounds staff planned to take a 10% share of vendor sales as done during the county fair.

The contract package includes logistics and safety requirements staff discussed with maintenance and operations staff. Natasha said she had already met with maintenance and contractors, and that staff planned further meetings to prepare the arena floor and lighting, and to coordinate electrical and other infrastructure work. She said the promoter provides business and rider insurance while the county’s insurance would continue to cover the grounds; staff noted an ambulance and a fire truck would be required on site.

Commissioners and staff raised common concerns — verifying vendor and hotel impacts, confirming promoter follow-through, and examining insurance and underwriting details — and staff said they would review insurance documentation and have county staff (Ted) examine the contract package. Commissioners suggested staff visit a comparable event in Roseburg to better judge likely out-of-county attendance before committing to multi-year plans; Natasha said she planned to attend the promoter’s finals that weekend and to meet him in person about setup logistics.

After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the contract and the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote. The presenter said this was effectively a first-year test: if the event underperformed, the county would not be required to repeat it. Next steps included finalizing contract documents, reviewing insurance certificates and rider coverage, and completing site preparation work ahead of the scheduled date.

The contract approval was followed on the agenda by a forthcoming rock-and-gem show; staff also noted possible future options such as closed-circuit broadcasts to other buildings on the fairgrounds but indicated those would be considered for later years rather than the initial event.