The Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) is eyeing Olds as a potential host of its provincial finals for the next three years, and the interest is mutual.
AHSRA is seeking a letter stating the town's intent to hold the event, as well as a $50,000 contribution per year, which would be split with Mountain View County.
Olds council has already asked town administration to draft a request for proposal for consideration at its July 11 meeting.
"Absolutely, we'd love to be the host community and we will consider the sponsorship piece in our regular budget consultation process," said chief administrative officer Norm McInnis.
"(Mountain View County has) given a letter of intent. They're certainly all in for Olds being the location. They haven't made a commitment on the money yet, only that they'll have it as a consideration in their 2017 budget."
McInnis said the AHSRA would hold its provincial finals for both its junior (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) age divisions the last weekend of May. Olds is a candidate because of the facilities at the Olds Regional Exhibition, accommodations on the college campus and the central location of the town.
In its letter to the town, the AHRSA states approximately 800 total visitors would pour into the community during the rodeo, with each family spending at least $200 per day on food, lodging, shopping and activities.
While he doesn't agree with that assessment, which forecasts that revenue being multiplied into a $640,000 total economic impact, McInnis said events like these align with the Olds Institute's tourism strategy.
"I think there's a benefit. Part of what we're trying to do with our overall tourism strategy that's just in the works right now, is actually to bring people to town and have them spend money in town," he said.
Mayor Judy Dahl said there's strong interest among council in the proposal. And she's excited about the possibility of hosting the rodeo.
"You're dealing with students that are so full of energy and willingness to learn all about rodeo and we might get a pro cowboy in there some day and we can say we taught them in Olds, Alberta."
"You're dealing with students that are so full of energy and willingness to learn all about rodeo and we might get a pro cowboy in there some day and we can say we taught them in Olds, Alberta." JUDY DAHL, Olds mayor
