Organizers of the Big Cruise and Car Show are getting an early start on planning next September's event. Joe Phillips and David Ingraham spoke to the Alva Tourism and Convention Development Committee Wednesday about funding. Phillips and Ingraham represent R.A.C.E. (Racing and Cruising Enthusiasts) who put on the show with help from the Alva Chamber of Commerce and other volunteers.

The men said this will be the 18th year for the car show, which is free to both entrants and spectators. They estimate 5,000 spectators will attend in addition to about a thousand more entrants and their families. The event fills most of the motel rooms in Alva.

About 80 percent of spectators come from within 60 miles of Alva. Participants are 28 percent from within 60 miles, 53 percent from 60 to 120 miles and 19 percent from further away.

Last year the show attracted 440 to 450 entrants. The number of motorcycle entries was down due to weather conditions nearby. However, more cars were entered than in previous years.

R.A.C.E. requested up to $26,300 from tourism tax funds which would cover 43.75 percent of expected expenses. Their worksheet shows total revenue, including the tourism tax request, at $53,140 while expenses are listed at $60,115. Committee member Bryce Benson asked how they would make up the almost $5,000 difference in expenses above revenue.

Phillips said they had a negative balance last year due to the increase in insurance costs. However, a couple of people "stepped up" and gave them money to cover the difference. He said the amount of money listed for event sponsors shows what has already been committed. It is possible they will obtain more sponsorships before the event. He said he's confident they will be able to cover any difference.

Committee member Dr. Charles Tucker questioned the $7,300 designated for entertainment. The men said the entertainment helps attract entries. Last year they booked vehicles from "The Munsters" and two street outlaws from Oklahoma City (who have TV shows). Next year's events are not yet scheduled.

Tucker said he "lives for the day" when the group comes in and asks for $4,000 less instead of $4,000 more than the previous year. The committee encourages those who approach them for funding to find other sources to help pay for their events.

Benson pointed out, "At the same time your expenses are going up, our income is going down, and quite a bit so far compared to last year." He was referring to the dwindling amount of tourism tax dollars being collected in Alva.

"I think the car show is one of the biggest things that goes on in Alva. A lot of people do help with it, and it brings a lot of people into town, and it is free," said Benson. He made a motion to approve the full request, seconded by Tucker. The motion was approved.

The committee barely had a quorum of three for the meeting. Present were Chairman Norville Ritter, Tucker and Benson. Absent were Jaunita Dotson and Terri Parsons.

At the beginning of the meeting, the committee approved minutes of the last meeting and a financial report showing $538,199.13 available for funding requests.