GRANTS, NM – The lodger’s tax awards took place on May 19, at 2 p.m. Multiple businesses in Cibola received funding including Grants Rodeo Association, Grants Mainstreet Project Inc., Cibola County Historical Society, and many others. The awards ranged from $3,000 to $180,000. Each business submitted applications for the awards.
Grants Rodeo Association received $43,500. The Grants Rodeo Association will be using the lodger’s tax funds for events planned later this year. In the proposal letter, written by Director of the Grants Rodeo Association Jamie Holton, it states, “Most of the projects at the Grants Rodeo Grounds are focused on promoting events that will encourage Tourists to stay in the Grants-Milan Area and to promote activities that are indicative of our Western Culture.”
Fire & Ice Bike Rally received $25,000. The Fire & Ice Bike Rally will be using the lodger’s tax funds to help in planning the event. During the meeting it was stated that, “The amount requested is primarily for advertising, as well as for entertainment at the Fire and Ice Park.” It was also stated that, “A little of these funds will go towards the events at the Brewery. However, the majority of the funds will go towards the events at the Fire & Ice Park.” There is also a plan to grow the event next year, and the 2026 Fire & Ice Bike Rally, due to it being the 100-year anniversary of Route 66, is the big focus.
Cibola County Historical Society received $17,000. The Cibola County Historical Society will be using the lodger’s tax funds in advertising, maintenance, and completion of projects. During the meeting it was stated, “The biggest part of their budget is to paint and reseal the roof on the museum in Milan at the airport.” The proposal submitted by the Cibola County Historical Society President Mary Savacheck and Treasurer Jackie Heath includes requests from both the history museum and the aviation museum. The request is for funding that includes, advertisement, maintenance of buildings, filming of programs, printing, card services, and miscellaneous expenditures for both museums.
Cibola Arts Council received $6,000. The Cibola Arts Council will be using the lodger’s tax funds for advertising, perf ormance/programs, postage and delivery, and printing and reproduction. In the proposal letter written by Business Manager, Lezlie Smith, it states “The purpose of Cibola Arts Council is to provide community members with an arts council which includes a gallery for artists and students to display their work. We also provide a Classic Film Series… Art Camps for children… and the Route 66 Vintage Museum.” During the meeting it was also stated that the Cibola Arts Council has plans to work with the college on an event in the theater.
Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon received $63,200. The Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon will be using the lodger’s tax funds for Mt. Taylor Quad - website, domain host & maintenance, social media, advertising, promotion & race production costs, Snow Cat, and promotions of the Mt. Taylor 50k. During the meeting it was stated that, “the budget went up substantially due to the fact that they need a new Snow Cat… we just don’t want to see the event show up and then something happens, that their old snow cat breaks and they don’t have a way to make the event.” They mentioned that without a Snow Cat, the Quad and other events would not be possible.
San Rafael Fire Department received $12,500. The San Rafael Fire Department will be using the lodger’s tax funds for the 2023 Tri-State Firemen’s Convention. The Tri-State Firemen’s Convention will begin on Thursday, August 4 and end on Sunday, August 6. In the proposal letter written by San Rafael Fire Chief Dyvin Marez it states, “If the funds are authorized from the Lodgers Tax Board, we will be using the funds to provide meals for the firefighters and their families, awards, and to promote the 85th Anniversary of Tri-State here in Grants, New Mexico by ads and banners.”
Cibola Trail Alliance received $8,500. The Cibola Trail Alliance will be using the lodger’s tax funds for tools, advertising, and events. In the proposal letter written by the Cibola Trail Alliance President Chad Gaines and Secretary Dhanielle Atenncio it states “The 2023 - 2024 Cibola Trail Alliance Proposed Advertising Budget: Website, Social Media, and Maintenance fees, Advertisement & Promotions, Rack Cards-Magnets-Posters-Banners-Fliers, Trail Tools.” There are also plans to implement a new Lobo Canyon trail, which would be 24 miles long, by hand digging and use of mechanical tools, the new trail will be along New Mexico Highway 547 stretching from the forest boundary up to the coal mine campground.
Cibola County 4-H Shooting received $5,000. The Cibola County 4-H Shooting will be using the lodger’s tax funds for advertising, events, and supplies. In the proposal letter written by Chase Elkins, Damon Landschoot, and Anna Cruz Landschoot it states, “Our goal is to eventually turn the annual Straight Shooters 3D Archery Shoot into a two day event… In order to accomplish our goal, we must purchase more 3D targets, establish a set date every year, and offer trophies that are unique to our shoot… We need to expand our advertising, by using local and other publications.”
Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce received $180,000. The Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce will be using the lodger’s tax funds for advertising, events, conferences, operational expenses, and contracts. In the proposal letter written by the Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors it states, “Outdoor Advertising, Magazine, Newspaper and Tourism Publications, Special Events, Social Media, Internet & Webpages, Trade Shows and Information Booths, Operational Expenses, Mining Museum/ City of Grants/State of New Mexico/Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce Management Contract.”
New Mexico Mining Museum received $30,000. The New Mexico Mining Museum will be using the lodger’s tax funds for advertising, supplies, conferences, events, and fees. In the proposal written by the New Mexico Mining Museum Board of Directors it states, “Outdoor Advertising, Print Media, Magazines, Brochures, and Online Media social media, Internet & Webpages, State Industry, Insurance and Dues, Postal and Office Supplies, Trade Shows and Information Booths, Events, Administrative Fees 10% total funding.”
American Legion Riders Chapter 18 received $3,000. The American Legion Riders Chapter 18 will be using the lodger’s tax funds for advertisements, equipment, entertainment and events. In the proposal letter written by the Representative of American Legion Riders Ch. 18 Brenda Ahlheim “LU” it states, “Bikers Vs. Bulls Motorcycle Event… The American Legion Riders goal is to continue to focus on the needs of the veterans and our community. The fundraiser is to replenish what we donate to help.”
Grants MainStreet Project, Inc. received $15,000. The Grants MainStreet Project, Inc. will be using the lodger’s tax funds for events and advertising. In the proposal letter written by Grants MainStreet Project, Inc. Executive Director William Yarborough it states, “With the Lodger’s Tax funding, we plan to focus on: 1. Stimulate tourism and travel to Grants… and 2. Focus on stimulating local consumers to support and invest in local stops and shops.” During the meeting they spoke about the Spokes on 66 Car Show event and the plans regarding that. They also spoke about fundraising and sponsoring.