OUr View: We should work to save event

There’s no doubt in our minds that Flaming Gorge Days should continue on.

The weekend of fun has been a part of our community for nearly 60 years and despite changes and evolution during the course of those years, has remained the unofficial start of the summer season for many Green River residents.

Recent news of the Flaming Gorge Days Committee’s financial woes was surprising for us, but we believe the annual event can continue forward. While some have criticized the committee for their management of their funds, the difficulties and increasing costs of maintaining the quality of the event shouldn’t be ignored. Like everyone else, the committee has to deal with inflation and the more recent problem with the effect of lower oil prices on the local economy. Sponsorships have decreased for the event, despite the fact that interest in Flaming Gorge Days has increased.

Last week, Councilman Brett Stokes’ comment about wanting to work together was spot-on; that’s exactly what should be done.

While a one-time $75,000 payment from the city, as was discussed last week, would go to securing Flaming Gorge Days’ future, it would help local business owners as well.

The event, as Arctic Circle’s Robert Berg said, provides his busiest weekend of the year, causing him to hire more staff and prepare for Flaming Gorge Days months in advance. Other businesses undoubtedly have a similar boosts in sales.

One thing we should stress is that it would be a one-time payment because the city shouldn’t subsidize the event. In fact, we think one option open to the committee is hosting a single concert night on Saturday, with a local battle of the bands on Friday night to determine who opens for the Saturday group.

By utilizing their funds for one night of performances, they could feasibly make more money off the ticket sales while saving money for future Flaming Gorge Days. Once the committee’s funding improves, they could go back to hosting two concert nights.

Green River is really the oasis of southwest Wyoming and Flaming Gorge Days brings people to see that fact firsthand. Everyone would lose if the weekend festival ended. However, we’re not too worried about its future either.

With the committee’s willingness to talk about their funding issues and the city’s willingness to help, we’re sure a solution that will keep Flaming Gorge Days an annual event will be found.