From car races to rodeos, bike races to dog shows, the Montezuma County Fairgrounds has developed into a major area attraction.
"We really have something for everybody, and we want to get the word out to the community that we have a lot of different shows going on," not just western events, said fairgrounds manager Tanner Young.
The venue has become an entertainment hot spot and economic engine for the area, Young said. He credits support from the Montezuma County Commission and a diverse regional culture that mixes traditional western lifestyles and community education programs with recreational enthusiasts, leisure clubs, and specialty hobbies.
"In tough economic times, the fairgrounds is key because it brings in outside people spending money," he said. "The rodeos and carnivals are popular, but the dog shows, gun shows and bike races are a huge hit as well."
Last year was the fairground's biggest year, bringing in 59,508 visitors. This year, the sprawling event center, with its 3,000-capacity grandstands, indoor and outdoor arenas, and car-race track, is poised to break that record.
"We're already at 29,000 visitors this year, so I think will surpass our record numbers from last year," Tanner said.
The fairgrounds are operated by Montezuma County with a total expense budget of $220,000 per year, not including capital improvements. The fairgrounds recoups the money through user fees and lottery money paid through the state conservation trust fund.
Last year, $96,000 was collected from user fees, and $43,000 of staff wages were paid by lottery funds.
"So the county ends up paying around $80,000 per year to run the facility," Tanner said. "It is a great investment considering the revenues and business traffic our events generate in the community."
Major upgrades recently have modernized the facility. A new roof and interior remodel of the indoor arena is a major improvement and cost $495,000.
"It really tightened up the building, and controls the temperatures really well in the winter and summer," Tanner said. "Inside there used to be insulation hanging off the walls, and now it is all paneled and looks really sharp."
There are even lasers on the ceiling used to pinpoint exact locations for setting up the barrels for competitions and practices.
The fairgrounds accepts clean used oil at a station behind the indoor arena. The facility burns the oil for heat in the winter instead of propane, saving $25,000 per year.
The outdoor grandstands are a hallmark feature of the fairgrounds. Plans are underway to cover the stands for spectators using a $75,000 state lottery grant and $35,000 donated by the Ute Mountain Ute Rodeo organization.
"The goal is to bring in more concerts, because promoters are looking for covered outdoor venues," Tanner said. "Also we would like to have more rodeos and events in the Fall."
Event organizers will appreciate the new fenced in venue outdoors, which makes it easier to manage vendors and spectators and is more professional.
"It is one of the nicer facilities in the state, and it has been a real paradigm shift with all of our improvements out here." Tanner said. "It generates millions of dollars to the economy."
There is plenty of opportunity for community organizations and individuals to utilize the fairgrounds at reasonable rates. The public has access to the facility for a variety of uses including horse training, riding practice, archery, dog training, animal shows, biking, and hiking. Managers encourage users to call ahead before heading out to use the grounds at (970) 565-1000.
Check the fairgrounds schedule at www.co.montezuma.co.us go to departments and click on fairgrounds, then calendar.jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
