Rodeo volunteers call sponsorship efforts "a catastrophe," ask for standardized process

Volunteers who helped run the July 4 rodeo told the council that sponsor fundraising was poorly coordinated and asked leadership for a standardized process. Melissa Archibald of the Rodeo Committee said collecting sponsorship donations "was a catastrophe," and urged creation of a committee to manage sponsors next year so donors are not repeatedly solicited.

Speakers also reported long waits at food vendors and suggested increasing the number of food trucks and revising vendor booth forms to accommodate more vendors. Nancy Pitcher said the July 4 race drew about 450 participants and recommended more, smaller gift cards for race prizes and greater sponsor recognition. Council and volunteers discussed increased porta‑potty and trash capacity and better cell coverage for event areas. Mayor Bodily proposed a master sponsor list, a standardized collection form, online payment options, and monthly committee meetings beginning in January to coordinate sponsorship and reduce duplication of solicitations.

Volunteers and staff also raised concerns about parking and a lack of visible law enforcement during the event; Councilmember Morrison proposed assigning an officer to manage traffic at Center and Main after the fireworks.