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On Aug. 21 the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce met and during the meeting Director Cindy Tafoya gave an overview of upcoming events. Tafoya highlighted the 37th Annual Old West Fest and all the changes that can be expected upon re-expanding the event back to two days.
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According to Tafoya, Old West Fest, originally known as Old West Days, was first hosted in 1982 by the chamber with the help of the city. Over the years, many adjustments have been made to the event.
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Tafoya explained, “The name has changed a few times. In about 2008 the name changed to Wild West Days to include more than the Old West history. At that time, the event had grown to include the Route 66 Car Show and the Junior Rodeo at the (Navajo County) fairgrounds. So, at that time we were thinking that we would expand the idea to show more of Holbrook’s wild side.
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“Having taken on the event late in the year last year, the event was scheduled in October to keep it from missing a year. It was suggested to call it a Wild West Fest since it was only a one-day event this last year.”
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Because of transitions made in the lead roles in the chamber and city, the event had a few shifts in who oversaw the event. Tafoya said, “Through transitions in positions from chamber to part time city/chamber to full time city. The responsibility of the event and budget transitioned as well. It was late summer when the chamber agreed to assume the event again.”
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Offering more insight on how it became a one-day event she said, “Through transitioning the role of responsibility and with differing ideas for the direction that the event would go, the event became a one-day event a few years ago.”
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When asked why the chamber would be returning it to a two-day event Tafoya said, “Many community people were very disappointed to see this event become a one-day event and have let our board know. It was a very exciting and huge attraction when it was a two-day event that drew folks in from all over. We would like to see that happen again. As with any event, our first priority is to promote and support our local businesses. Through the expanded event days and the added interest, we want to see attendees and participants visiting our shops, buying gas, staying at our motels, and eating at our local eateries. With a two-day event, that makes it possible.”
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In 2007, former chamber director Emily Wheeler introduced the barbecue competition at the event. Unfortunately, also due to transitions, it was eventually eliminated from the roster. Tafoya announced the return of that as well. Explaining that they are looking to recruit local contestants for this year’s barbecue competition.
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There will be vending and entertainment both days along with a beer garden, a 5k and 10k run and cornhole tournament. The chamber is still seeking sponsors for the events and welcome volunteers. Anyone who would like to volunteer or has questions about participating in any of the events taking place at Old West Fest, an email can be sent to Cindy Tafoya at
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holbrookazchamber1@gmail.com.
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In other business, the chamber announced that they hope to host a polar express event at the Santa Fe Train Depot across the railroad tracks for the holidays. The chamber is still seeking approval from the railroad and evaluating all aspects to ensure the safety of volunteers and attendees.
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The chamber is also planning a grand opening event upon the completion of the new airport tarmac at Holbrook Municipal Airport on Vista Drive. Because the opening won’t be until next year as they will not break ground until next spring, pending a few final details, the chamber has delayed setting a date for the event.
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The chamber is hosting Salsa Fest on Nov. 1 and invites all local restaurants to join. Each participating restaurant will showcase their best salsa where members of the community are invited to vote for their favorite.
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In other business, Code Enforcement and Economic Development Officer Jason Foutz informed the chamber that the porta potties the city of Holbrook had are being disposed of. Because of the health and safety risks it presents to the citizens, they do not plan to recoup their inventory. Moving forward, any need for porta potties will have to be met through other outsourced entities.
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The chamber also discussed the continued effort to create a drone video of Holbrook businesses.
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Items on the agenda had to be tabled due to absent board members for emergency reasons. Those items included business of the month, chamber mixer guidelines, election of board officers and assigning board roles, and will be discussed at the special meeting.
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In new business:
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* In combination there were 113 volunteer hours in July and August.
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* Director Tafoya requested $75 to attend a director’s workshop in Flagstaff the first Thursday of September. The matter was put aside, and President Shar Gillespie explained that it could be discussed in the separate meeting.
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* The board approved minutes from last month’s meeting.
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* Director Tafoya informed the board that the current month’s financial report is not available as there were some line items still needing to be added. The accountant is conducting a comparison between her documents and director Tafoya’s and will have them available soon.
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