Put the brakes on
No Derby just yet
BROKEN BOW - In a special meeting Friday, March 25, the Custer County Ag Society voted to rescind the motion to open up Trotter Arena at the Custer County Fairgrounds to events other than livestock events including a demolition derby. At issue was that the motion was made and voted on at the March 11 meeting without being on the agenda.
The topic, on the agenda for the Friday, March 26 meeting, brought more than a dozen members of the public to the meeting to voice concerns that a demo derby would leave behind debris that could injure horses and other livestock. “We’re not opposed to having non-livestock events,” Amanda Lymberg said. “But we
have serious concerns about the debris left behind.” She added that it’s “what you can’t see” that could pose the most damage. Of note, a horse used for barrel racing can cost $30,000 to $150,000 or more.
Board member Casey Cooksley said that all board members are also concerned, however, at the same time, after there are concerts in the arena, there has been broken glass and wanted to know why that isn’t a concern.
Taylor Ruether answered saying, “Right now, we don’t have an issue (with that). We don’t have the fear. We all trust the arena.”
Brad and Steph Miller both spoke about their concerns on having a demo derby on the same ground as livestock events. Brad said he was especially concerned with events that are mandatory for students, such as the Jr High rodeo. “Kids don’t have an option if they want to qualify for state. They have to compete,” he said.
Miller also said the fairgrounds are “beautiful facilities” and hoped to help work towards a compromise, saying he wanted to be “part of the solution.”
Board secretary Marla Stallbaumer asked the question, if the location in front of the grandstands in the best place for the arena. There was an unanimous “No” heard from most everyone in the room. The location collects water, sits in shade and doesn’t drain quickly.
Custer County Supervisor and liaison to the Ag Society Dwain Bryner recommended consideration of moving Trotter Arena, suggesting a location to the north and west of its current location, which would place it closer to the horse barns and use portable bleachers. The space in front of the grandstands could then be used for demo derbies and other motor sports.
This suggestion seemed to pick up approval from most although concern was expressed that quite a lot of portable bleachers would be needed to host the annual Custer County Classic Bull Riding as the grandstands hold a lot of attendees for the event held on the first Monday of county fair. The grandstands has a capacity of 2,280 when seated tightly.
Additional concern was expressed by some present that they would want to see the new events help pay for the changes, if they came about, and not fund the changes through increased stall rent and event fees.
Gavin Higgins, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber has formed a committee to explore options for a demo derby and encouraged the Ag Society to do the same. “We can figure this out,” he said. He added that the Chamber was excited about the thought of partnering with the Ag Society. “The Ag Society has a lot of events, but they are all horse events. We can find a middle ground.”
GinaLee Sinner spoke to the history of the fairgrounds saying in the 70s and 80s Custer County was one of the top arenas. “Then there was no improvement. About five years ago, it started to come back. People want to come here again.”
Chris Pearson agreed. “The progress is amazing,” she said, “But one event can put a stigma on all that. I’d hate to see the work done over the years go away.”
While acknowledging the concern, Cooksley said when the arena was developed “at no point in time were the grandstands dedicated to horse only events,” he said, and that bringing in other events is one way to help take some burden off the tax payers.
Fairgrounds administrator Michelle Nelson said she was simply looking for ways to bring in more events so stall rental ad other fees don’t have to increase. “As my job, I have to look beyond livestock events,” she said.
The discussion was at times emotional and passionate and lasted for an estimated 45 minutes to an hour. After the meeting was adjourned, unofficial discussion continued and for some, tense conversation continued. The board will consider options at future meetings.
The special meeting had been originally called to discuss and vote on bids for the installation of electric pedestals for campers. Friday night, the board approved a bid from Talon Electric for $7,942 for the pedestals along with $1,600 to install water hydrants with Larson Plumbing. The City of Broken Bow has agreed to install a transformer.
The board also approved up to $15,000 to have Myer’s Construction haul out the manure pile; to purchase a 2021 John Deere 324G Skid Steer from AKRS Equipment for $43,000; and allocate $10,000 as seed money to bring a concert to the 2021 county fair.