LT2026-015 CLE ELUM ROUNDUP FINAL

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Response 5: Please explain what plans exist to allow this project to become self-sustaining. Include any plans for ticket sales, event sponsors, and other cost-recovery models.* In 2023, we were able to partner with sponsors to purchase ten bucking chutes from the Ellensburg Rodeo for permanent installation at the Horse Park during 2024. This is a milestone for the Roundup to establish a permanent western arena at the facility. We continue to work with the Horse Park to develop a plan for a long-term lighting and seating solution. In 2024-2025 we rented temporary bleachers to increase our seating capacity and lights for arena, vendor and parking utilization. Increased seating is of the utmost importance to the successful growth of the Roundup, however, it also presents substantial challenges due to space availability & facility wants/needs, as well as permitting, site prep, installation, labor and material costs. The long-term benefits of permanent seating allows for better self sustainability of not only the Roundup but also other events held at the venue. We can generate greater revenue from increased seats & lighting with tiered ticket pricing based on seat location and performance day/time. In 2026 we will continue to evolve our ticket sales with two performances and family ticket packs, discount packs/codes, as well as partnerships with local hotels on packages to guarantee overnight stays. Also in 2026 we will add a “local” jackpot event and we are working with the Kittitas Roping Club and the Kittitas Valley Barrel Club to create an event that will feature local talent. The winners of the jackpot will then be offered the opportunity to perform in one of the Roundup’s evening performances. In 2026, we will utilize sponsorship levels that better align to our revenue goals and offer consistent messaging to our donors. This will help to preserve long-term donor relations, as well as attract new supporters. There has been a positive supporter response thus far. We will increase contestant participation by continuing what we started last year with well prepared arena ground management with a focus on timed events. We will increase our added money once again and give practical go-round prizes. The contestants raved about our ground and the gas cards we gave away. We will continue to work with our stock contractor, PRCA & Columbia River Circuit to help increase our Rough Stock participation. In 2026, we are looking to increase revenue with more community support through annual membership, VIP seating and expanding the event quality and specialty acts. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 4 6| Additional Information Response 6.1: Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your project and its benefit to tourism. We are very proud to have sold our performances in 2023, 2024 and 2025. As we bolster our foothold in the community, we are strengthening our relationships with Washington State Horse Park (WSHP); planning additional events at the facility that will draw local residents of UKC while showcasing the beautiful venue that is right in our backyard. In addition, the Roundup has plans to have one of their board members join the Cle Elum Downtown Association to build on that relationship/bring awareness to the Roundup and the WSHP. In conjunction, the Roundup has plans to have a much larger presence at Pioneer Days, not just an entry in the parade. It is our goal that Roundup and the WSHP are both known entities by every resident of UKC. 2025 also saw the Roundup be nominated and win 1st Runner Up for best small rodeo in the Columbia River Circuit, win the award for best Non-Profit presented by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce and lastly win the Community Partner of the Year Award, presented by Quiet Cadence. 2500 character limit Response 6.2: You may upload any supporting documents such as graphs, images, diagrams, marketing materials, etc. You are allowed to submit up to 3 single page (US Letter) documents in JPG, PDF or TIFF format 7| Previous Lodging Tax Grant Information