Three Taylor events referred to as the Triple Crown are overseen by the Special Days/Special Events Committee, Vice Mayor Shawn Palmer explained during the report portion of the July 7, Taylor Town Council meeting. Mayor Fay Hatch is chairman of that committee.
The Triple Crown consists of Trapper Days, Independence Day, which Palmer said is gaining momentum, and the Sweet Corn Festival, which also seems to be gaining momentum.
The Independence Day Celebration is headed up by Chairman Eddie Hancock with assistance from Palmer as vice chairman.
Councilman Jason Brubaker said he had some complaints that rodeo tickets were $10 a person this year.
“It’s a big deal. It’s a destination event,” responded Palmer noting that attendance to the rodeo is two to 2½ times the population of the town.
“We have huge expenses to put on a show like that. It’s an incredible show,” said the vice mayor. “People come to be entertained.”
He noted that people were excited to see the Black Sheep owned and operated by Jake Hatch, which set a record at the rodeo. “That guy’s amazing, and he’s a hometown boy,” said Palmer. “I noticed as people watched that they were in awe and there was a reverence.”
There are expenses with the acts during the rodeo, the rough stock and especially with the fireworks, explained Palmer. He attends rodeos around the country and the cost to get into them is from $30 to $45 for something of the caliber of Taylor’s rodeo, “So to have it local and pay $10 is an absolute steal.”
Speaking specifically about the family ticket, Palmer said, “That program has been abused.” He noted that sometimes 18 to 22 people show up and get in for $1.50 each when they used the family ticket.
“It puts the ticket takers in a very bad position,” said Brubaker.
“One of the other huge upgrades is the restaurant quality food that is served,” said Palmer. “You won’t find better Navajo tacos anywhere.” He added that the barbecue was outstanding and so was the Mexican food. He also said that they have found ways to remedy the long lines next year, explaining that they need an individual drink line.
Steve Foster of American Legion Post 126 offered to have the American Legion run the drink line next year.
Palmer said that the four S’s are very important: Seating, Security, Sound and Sanitation, noting, “Those are huge.”
“The announcer is a world class, world renowned announcer, and we have that at our disposal,” he said. “It all costs a lot of money.”
Palmer also noted that the Cowboy Poetry/Country Music program on Friday evening features top talent, and all but one poet are local residents.
“I don’t know that I have ever heard a national anthem that was more powerful, and he’s a local boy,” said Palmer of Aaron Hatch, who is Mayor Hatch’s son.
“Aaron Solomon, what an entertainer,” Palmer said, noting that he is also local.
He thanked those who provided the equipment for the arena when it rained. “The coordination of that was incredible,” said Palmer.
“The bottom line is the patriotism,” said the vice mayor. “People come from all over, they love it, they love that it’s all about God and country.”
Palmer said that they have already had two meetings to discuss next year’s events, adding that they meet 60 to 70 times a year to organize and plan the celebration. “It’s very well organized and very well thought out,” he concluded.
