Pageant Days parade theme, 'I survived'

The Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board held a virtual Zoom meeting for May. the board did not meet in April due to the COVID-19 virus.

Director Meri Ann Rush said in new business that the August 1 Pageant Day parade is still being planned. The theme is “I survived.”

The parade will feature floats with families and businesses and since it’s an election year, the number of floats is expected to be higher. Rush stated the chamber plans on holding the parade unless they are told otherwise.

Rush also reported that internet data for the chamber shows that tourism is down, but many people are still checking out Thermopolis and Hot Springs County as potential options for relocation.

The chamber board passed a motion to keep the amount charged for the levels of membership the same. Rush said, “Everyone is hurting right now, we should leave it alone.”  

Regarding the chamber’s budget, they have $146,000 to work with and expenses coming to $145,000. Rush said that other budgets she knows of are trying to cut 30% but she said the chamber doesn’t see much wiggle room to cut.

Rush said the county is nervous about revenue due to the price of oil dropping. She said that hopefully the lodging tax will give $8,000 for wage reimbursement for summer staff but she is not sure and will have to wait until June to finalize the budget. Rush suggested they table their budget until their next meeting.

The Demolition Derby is moving forward as planned and is scheduled for August 8. 

The chamber is re-opening and hours will be 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. seven days a week. However, they will reevaluate their hours if things get busier. 

One idea the chamber is currently exploring, and has talked about in the past, is to potentially create a Chamber Foundation.

Rush said by forming a foundation it would benefit the whole county, not just the town.

There would be more options that would open up for funding and for things to happen. For example, Sheridan was able to raise $250,000 using a grant program.

Rush is passionate about the foundation and imagines it will raise money to help businesses. After discussion, board members said they need to decide if that is where the chamber should go. They formed a small group to further discuss and explore the idea.