Gun Barrel City approves $54,000 in hotel‑motel sponsorships for youth bass tournament and mower races

The Gun Barrel City Council unanimously approved two tourism sponsorships May 27 funded from the Hotel‑Motel Tax Fund: a $50,000 sponsorship for the 2026 Texas Bass Nation Youth State Championship and a $4,000 sponsorship for the Lone Star Mower Racing Association’s final seasonal race.

Nathan (speaker 16), representing Texas Bass Nation Youth, told council the event historically draws teams and families statewide and estimated the tournament generates roughly $470,000–$500,000 in local economic activity during the event week. "We're probably gonna stay around the 115 to 120 boat range," he said, noting the tournament brings anglers and family members who stay multiple nights, eat at local restaurants and shop in town.

City staff and the community engagement coordinator recommended a $50,000 award from the Hotel‑Motel Tax Fund to support event operations and promotion at Cedar Creek Reservoir in June. Council member (speaker 12) moved to approve the publicity and tourism agreement with Texas Bass Nation Youth and the motion passed unanimously.

Council also approved a $4,000 sponsorship to the Lone Star Mower Racing Association (LSMRA) to support the June 20 final race, which staff noted frequently brings out‑of‑town spectators and vendors. The city manager described LSMRA as a qualifying sporting event that "puts heads in beds," supporting local hotels and vendors. The motion to award the $4,000 sponsorship passed unanimously.

City staff noted available Hotel‑Motel funds in the meeting (approximately $280,000 on hand) and said the awards fit the city's tourism promotion criteria. Both sponsorships were approved as motions during the meeting and will be executed under standard agreement terms.