Chamber board awards $10,000 to vintage market

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Concert series promoter returns HOT funds

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One group received hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds Monday night while another returned money to the Snyder Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers of Petticoats on the Prairie, a vintage market, was awarded $10,000 in HOT funds for a summer event. 

Becky Justice, who received $10,000 for a concert series at The Coliseum, presented the final installment of the $10,000 she received to promote the event, which did not take place.

Petticoats on the Prairie is planning to host a June 22-23 event at The Coliseum, organizer Mary Smith said. She told the board that they like to host the market in smaller towns and it features between 85 and 110 vendors.

“We have never done a show in Snyder,” Smith said. “There is no other show like us. We do so many things that are special.”

She said they include camping sites, speakers and vendor dinners featuring local restaurants.

“This sounds like it will bring a ton of people to Snyder,” said board chairman Dr. Jason Cave. “This is one of the few events we have seen that is geared toward out-of-town people. I see this as a huge investment for Snyder.”

“They are hoping for a good partnership with Snyder,” said Linda Molina, the chamber’s president/chief executive officer.

Justice told the board that she wanted to host a concert series in Snyder, but it was a “learning experience” for her.

Two weeks before the first show, which was to feature Eddy Raven on May 19, only 86 tickets were sold.

“I needed to make sure it was a success,” she said, adding the options were to cancel the concert or move it to The Coyote Store in Gail, which she owns.

After announcing the concert would be held at The Coyote Store, Justice said 652 additional tickets were sold.

“We really wanted to do these shows in Snyder. I don’t think it was a lack of promotion,” she said. “The Coliseum is a wonderful venue.”

Cave said he appreciated Justice returning the funds and hopes the chamber will be able to work with her in the future.

The board approved Shelby Bufkin as a new director and authorized Molina to spend $5,364 for two wreath swags that will be placed on the College Ave. and Coliseum Drive banner poles during the holidays. The money will come from the chamber’s general fund because HOT funds cannot be used for Christmas decorations, Molina said.

She hopes to have the swags ready this year, but they may not be installed in time for the Christmas parade on Dec. 2.