Economic Impact of the Rodeo

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Story Published: Mar 24, 2008 at 1:33 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:20 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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Even though the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo has finished up in Pocatello many businesses are reaping the benefits.

Tens of thousands of people show up for the annual rodeo in Pocatello, and that means a lot of money. Steven England, Chubbuck City Mayor said, "It's a great event. Twenty-two years they've been coming to our community. I think that the citizens just love to have them come." And why wouldn't they love it. The rodeo normally brings in some big bucks. England adds, "(The rodeo) has an economic impact of several-million dollars that rolls through the community as they come in an participate."

All of the money comes from the 189 contestants, their friends and family, and the nearly 27-thousand people who attend every year. Plus there are nearly 40 companies from around the country that come to Pocatello selling everything rodeo-related. "This, honest to god, is probably the best rodeo in this country," said Don Moore, Rodeo Arena Manager.

And all of that money stays in the area, because the rodeo employees are volunteers. Dee Greene, Rodeo Chairman Emeritus said, "Other big rodeos, Houston Texas, those kind of guys they actually pay their committee people, their board of directors and everything. Our people are strictly volunteers who have their own jobs and their own families. There's a lot of effort put into that.

Businesses aren't the only ones who profit from the rodeo though-the contestants were competing for 400-thousand dollars in prizes.

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