Summer events bring in millions

It was a busy and profitable summer in Sweetwater County, with multiple events bringing millions of dollars into the economy. 

Many of the biggest summer events were hosted by the Sweetwater County Events Complex. The complex's executive director, Kandi Pendleton, gave an update on the summer to the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners during their September 3 meeting. 

"We just want to share some success with you and give you an update on how the summer events went, because it was busy," Pendleton said. 

The Events Complex's mission and vision both center around providing quality recreational facilities, services and programs that benefit the public, support the local economy, and reflect the unique community of Sweetwater County. Furthering that vision, the five main events that took place at the Events Complex over the summer this year were the Escapade RV Rally in June, the National High School Finals Rodeo in July, Wyoming's Big Show at the end of July and beginning of August, Royal Crown Racing in August, and Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing, which started in August and goes through the end of September. 

All together, these events are estimated to have brought an economic impact of $18,529,965 into the community. 

"We're proud of that number," Pendleton said, acknowledging the team effort it took. "If we can keep doing those things to help diversify our economy, I think that will be to the benefit of all of us." 

Pendleton explained that the economic impact of events is estimated using information from Wyoming Tourism. Data from the previous year can be used to figure out rates of how much people spend on average when they're in Sweetwater County. Other events, like the fair, can also use even more specific data with visitor numbers and impact studies to determine the economic impact. 

The summer started with the 63rd Escapade Rally from the Escapees RV Club, which was a return event that was first hosted in Sweetwater County in 2021. 

"Every single RV rally that we've had on the grounds has booked a second time, and we're in conversations for them to book long term," Pendleton said. 

She pointed out that there were initially concerns expressed that things like RV rallies would only be one-time events, but most rallies turn over their membership every few years, so they remain interested in coming back on a rotation. This year's rally brought in 429 units and was estimated to bring in $886,500. 

The National High School Finals Rodeo was the next summer event, which "was record-breaking in every single sense," according to Pendleton. This year was bigger than ever, with 1,829 contestants, 2,487 contestant entries, 2,250 stalls and 52 participating states, provinces and countries. The 10-day event was estimated to have had an economic impact of $11 million to $12 million for the county. 

The community also came together both to support and to participate in the NHSFR. Pendleton pointed out and thanked the Green River Shooting Range and Sweetwater County Trap Club for being instrumental in hosting and running the shooting sports components of the rodeo. She also praised the local youth that participated and did well in the rodeo, including Green River's Jacob Cook and Farson-Eden's Connor Weese and Morgan Watts.

An even more community-driven event, which brings in visitors as well, is the annual fair. This year, Wyoming's Big Show brought in over $2 million in resident spending and about $1.3 million in visitor spending, with almost 20% of fair attendees being from out of county. The youth livestock auction also raised $588,590 this year. The fair received positive feedback on several of the events, activities, and entertainment options, with Pendleton sharing some comments from social media about the success of things like the concerts and the Silent Disco. 

The only summer event that saw some decrease this year was Royal Crown, which features equine competitions like barrel racing, team roping and breakaway roping. Pendelton explained that part of the reason there's a decrease in participants is because of the level of competition that the event attracts. 

"It is world champion people that you see there," she said, adding that "the numbers still are fantastic and we will take those every day of the week." 

The Royal Crown events brought in roughly $420,300 of economic impact in two weeks. 

"It's just a really incredible horse event, and for the equine industry I think it's putting us on the map," Pendelton said. 

The last summer event is also focused on horses, with Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing happening through the end of the month. Historic horse racing revenues have continued to increase each year, increasing 16.5% this year and being on track to bring in almost $1.5 million. 

"That's a check directly back into your budget," Pendleton said, pointing out that money is paid directly to the county and cities from the revenue. 

The Events Complex also gets 30% of revenues to do capital improvements, part of which was used this year for the race office, which Pendleton said will be "a huge venue" for the complex in the future. 

Overall, the summer events create an important economic impact for the community, and that doesn't even count the other smaller events that take place, Pendleton pointed out.

The commissioners thanked Pendleton and the Events Complex for their work, and acknowledged the impact of the summer events. Commissioner Taylor Jones noted that he spoke to a staff member at Old Chicago in Rock Springs and learned that they set a record during the National High School Finals Rodeo for all of their restaurants anywhere. 

"If anybody questions the economic impact to Sweetwater County, it's certainly there," Jones said.