A letter to the editor was published last week in another local newspaper that raised questions about two events happening in Fairfield the weekend of September 7-8, 2018.
There were a few inaccuracies (names and monetary amounts) and some misunderstandings about Hotel/Motel funds and the role of Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in putting on City events.
Cookin’ Up BBQ & Music
First, let’s get some names straight:
–Big T Memorial BBQ Cookoff & Music Festival – This is the official name of this year’s fundraising event that includes a Lone Star BBQ sanctioned cookoff (50-75 cookers are expected) and two nights of musical performances from several recognized names, including headliner Little Texas.
The Big T event has been around many years, under various names, including Big T Bash. It began as a tribute to Terry “Big T” Lair, who enjoyed BBQ cooking and loved his grandson, who had been diagnosed with autism.
–Golden Circle Special Needs Association – Proceeds from the Big T Memorial will benefit this organization, which raises money for special needs children in the Freestone and adjoining counties.
Organized in November of 2014, the Golden Circle has, in the last year, donated $2,000 to Fairfield ISD and $5,000 to Camp of the Rising Sun for their special needs programs. Their goal is to continue expanding that support.
Some History: Big T’s Memorial first began in 2010 as a chili cookoff and musical festival, initially put on by the Centex Oilman’s Association, and then later by the Tri-County Oilman’s Association.
Big T’s Buddies Autistic Support Network was organized that same year as a support group for families with autistic children.
The newer Golden Circle Special Needs Association includes members of these earlier groups.
The City of Fairfield came into play during last year’s budget talks when Council members expressed a desire to invest Hotel/Motel money into a large City-sponsored event.
After much discussion, Fairfield Council chose to assist Golden Circle members in building the annual Big T Bash into a signature weekend event. By unanimous vote, they approved $35,000 to be used to secure musical acts and promote the event.
To make it an even bigger weekend, the Golden Circle agreed to hold their event in September to coincide with another City event, the 21st annual Show of Wheels.
Bringing even more people to town that weekend would be the Chamber’s annual Citywide Garage Sale and the UKC/PKC American Heritage Coon Hunt and Bench Show.
When asked about locations, an organizer with Big T Memorial explained that their event will set up at the Rodeo Arena.
As the Coon Hunters normally use the area surrounding the Ike Carden pavilion, there should be room enough at the fairgrounds for both events.
Of course, the Show of Wheels is held downtown on the Courthouse Square, and Garage Sale locations will be located all around the City (maps will be published in local newspapers).
As to the selling of alcohol: This was a concern brought up during initial discussion by Council, as Big T Bash event-goers from the past had a reputation for bringing alcohol on the premises.
Big T Memorial coordinators updated Council members last month by outlining their plans for controlling alcohol consumption during the event.
An outside vendor, who has the required permits, will be responsible for the sale of beer, which may only be purchased in designated areas and in limited amounts. NO outside alcohol will be allowed into the venue.
Both the City of Fairfield and the Golden Circle Special Needs Association are working toward making the Big T Memorial Cookoff & Music Festival a premiere event that will continue to bring visitors to the town and raise money to support children in the area.
Show Your Wheels
In its 21st year, the annual Show of Wheels is a favorite for car enthusiasts. The event is open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles with over 30 judged categories.
While this is a City of Fairfield event, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is tasked with doing ALL the work – and, securing all the volunteers – to make it happen.
This includes buying t-shirts, trophies and other supplies for the event; designing promotional materials; purchasing advertising; soliciting door prizes; rounding up enough volunteers to man the event; and set up & take down.
The Chamber takes their motto, “Love Where You Live,” seriously, and shops local for this event.
“Every single penny – except for some outside advertising – goes right back into the local economy,” says Chamber Executive Director Brenda Pate.
This year’s Show of Wheels is a two-day affair, with a Swap Meet and Poker Run planned on Friday before the big show.
Fairfield Council approved $15,500 for this year’s Show of Wheels. Monies come from the Hotel/Motel fund are used for this event.
Use It Or Lose It
The last several years, the City of Fairfield has maintained a Hotel/Motel Fund of over $500,000.
By law, these funds are to be set aside to encourage tourism and to benefit the hotel/motel industry. The monies are raised through a tax passed on to overnight guests.
One of the recommendations that came out of the recent Forensic Audit for the City of Fairfield was to start spending more of those funds.
If all goes as planned, these events will encourage visitors to shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants, and stay in our hotels – all while continuing to replenish the City’s Hotel/Motel fund with the taxes collected from overnight tourists.
Serving as Fairfield’s Visitor Center is the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce building, located just off Interstate 45.
About the Chamber
Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization designed to serve as an advocate for a network of business owners. Fairfield’s Chamber shares that goal by serving small business owners and assisting in economic development in the area.
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce building also serves as the Visitor Center for the City of Fairfield, and Chamber members dedicate much of their time to promoting, and organizing, several City events:
–Show of Wheels
–Christmas on the Square
–Jingle All The Way
–Eggstravaganza
–July Fourth Fireworks Show
(The Chamber also assists with Boo! On The Square, but historically, the City Administrator been in charge of this October event.)
Manning the Visitor Center, and being responsible for five City events, represents the portion of the Chamber’s budget that is funded through Hotel/Motel monies, as approved by City Council each year.
While it is true that Chambers of Commerce, themselves, cannot legally be funded through Hotel/Motel monies, the work done to promote tourism – even if it is accomplished by Chamber members – indeed, can be.
Hence, the statement in the recent Forensic Audit (page 15) that they, “found no evidence these funds were misspent.”
Stay Tuned
Periodically, Freestone County Times plans to publish a “Fact Checker” column to assist readers in separating news articles from opinion pieces; and to dispel rumors by seeking out accurate information.
