ATV Rodeo plans made

— Parks and Recreation Committee members chose June 12 as a tentative date for the fifth annual ATV Rodeo and began to discuss detailed plans for the event at Thursday’s meeting.

Committee co-chairman Rick Tilly said he wants to make sure there are no conflicting events before the date is set. The committee will need to make a decision on the date by next month so they can start promoting the rodeo at ATV Shops in mid-May, he said.

Previously, the committee considered holding the rodeo on city property near the wastewater treatment plant or on city property near the cemetery. On Thursday, James Tucker brought up concerns that soil on the city property near the wastewater treatment plant is made up entirely of red clay.

Red clay could damage the ATVs and would not make a suitable track for the events, Tilly said.

“We need black mud,” he said.

Tilly asked about using the property near Y-City Road where the ATV Rodeo was held in 2008. The property has changed hands, but Ike Owens volunteered to contact the new owners and ask permission to use the property.

“The mud pit is already dug, and there’s a place for kids’ games,” Tilly said.

“It’s just a good location. You’ve got parking. You’ve got room,” Owens agreed.

No matter the date or the location, registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and rodeo events will begin at 10:30 a.m., the committee decided. The rodeo has traditionally featured events such as barrel racing, fire truck pulling competitions, a mud pit and children’s games.

The committee also agreed to require all riders under age 18 to wear a helmet during the competitions, except for the mud pit.

“We can’t force it on the adults, but kids are a must,” Owens said.

Committee members decided to set up a concession stand selling hamburgers, hot-dogs, chips and drinks at the rodeo. They plan to continue looking for sponsors and donors for the events, as well as community members willing to help staff the rodeo.

“We’re looking for volunteers from the city that would be willing to come out and cook or direct traffic or whatever - we’d be glad to have their help,” said committee chairman Trip Lapham.

Only three members were present at the January and February meetings, making planning and decision making difficult, but attendance was up to six members at Thursday’s meeting.

Lapham suggested setting a regular time for the committee meetings at 6 p.m., the first Thursday of the month, to make it easier for members to remember to attend.

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet again at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 1, in the city council room.

News, Pages 1 on 03/10/2010