In a special-called Tuesday afternoon meeting, the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist and Convention Commission approved two considerable expenditures — each levying the promotion, and travel to, the community.
The first — a $6,000 appropriation and investment to the Trigg County Chamber of Commerce 2023-24 Leadership Class, and their recently-revealed project plans.
Members Faye Godair of the Trigg County Sheriff’s Department, Danika Patel for Bank of Cadiz and Brenda Price of FNB Bank confirmed that the group would like to install a metal “Welcome to Trigg County” sign just before drivers pass Sinclair’s Gas Station near Barkley Lake.
Unique in design, it would be roughly 14 feet long and set in a stone fixture, with pillars on either side.
Patel and Godair noted the land needed is on state property and still needs right-of-way approval, but that seems like a non-issue.
Price said the full project would cost about $8,000, in an estimate from Craig Fowler.
In his first return to the office since a health scare, Executive Director Bill Stevens confirmed it was the board’s policy to typically assist with these annual projects. However, he hoped to see a couple of tweaks.
Godair, Patel and Price laughed and agreed, and also noted the sign has yet to be made in this preliminary stage. Patel also noted that there are other asks, and fundraising, to be completed before this project is fully realized.
All board members enjoyed the design and approved it, while Dustin Gilbert abstained due to conflict of interest.
The second appropriation was a $12,500 contract with Pyro Shows for the annual July 4 fireworks display at the Lake Barkley State Resort Park. The decision comes two weeks after officials from Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park made known their vote to discontinue their funding of the explosive celebration — something they have done for Trigg County the previous 13 years.
In exchange for taking on the contract negotiations, board members also noted the organization should use the $2,250 already earmarked and bequeathed by tourism be used for vendors and other options to spruce up the weekend festivities — be that food trucks, music acts or other unique options for the nation’s birthday.
Pyro Shows brings with them a $10,000,000 insurance policy.
Stevens and Jamie Lewis, director of guest services, said that amount would cover vehicles, property, everything, and that some coordination would be needed for a great weekend.
Board members also agreed to discontinue their monthly $250 payment to Friends, as part of this take.
In other tourism news:
— Lewis and Stevens both assured the board the community’s relationship with Harper House is “as strong as ever,” following civil discourse about its long-term abatement agreement at the last meeting.
— And the board entered into executive session for personnel discussions, surrounding the health and wellness of Stevens. In his stead over these last few weeks, Lewis and Kerry Allen have been navigating the spring duties. Stevens was present for the session.
