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Commission waives landfill fees for Wild West Festival
Summary
Event organizers asked the county to waive landfill weight fees for the 32nd Wild West Festival; commissioners approved the waiver after organizers described setup and cleanup plans and cited an estimated $1.9 million local economic impact.
Event organizers asked Ellis County commissioners on May 10 to waive landfill weight fees for the Wild West Festival, and the commission approved the request.
Tom Lippert and Jeff Jordan, who represented the festival, told the board the event will set up June 27–30, run July 1–3 and tear down July 5. Lippert said volunteers — including scout groups — handle much of the overnight cleanup and pack‑out. Jordan said, “This summer marks the 32nd Wild West Festival event,” and cited an estimated economic impact to the community of about $1,900,000.
Commission discussion was brief. One commissioner said volunteers and the festival committee have historically kept the park and event area in good condition, and another estimated the festival typically uses about two roll‑off containers of waste. A motion to waive municipal waste fees for the 2026 Wild West Fest was moved and seconded and the commission voted in favor.
The waiver covers county landfill weight fees for festival disposal; organizers were asked to continue coordinating volunteer cleanup and provide contact information for volunteer signups. The commission did not attach additional conditions to the waiver at the meeting.
