Alva Review-Courier -

In a brief meeting Wednesday, the Alva Tourism Committee approved funding for Bull Battle VIII to be held in Alva next year. Justin Dowdy spoke on behalf of the Western Sports Committee LLC about the April 5-6 event. Dowdy was asking for the same amount of $31,000 that was granted last year.

The event will be held at the Woods County Fairgrounds with the Friday performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday performances will be at 10 a.m. for the youth mini bull riding and 7:30 p.m. for the second round of BRI bull riding and PYRA Championship Chute-Out Rounds. During and preceding the events, there will be a trade show. Dowdy said next year's event will be similar, but they will focus a little more on the trade show.

Scott Kline asked how long Dowdy has put on the bull battle. Dowdy said his first one was in 2007 when he was a senior in high school. A couple of years were skipped, and this year will be No. 8.

Asked where riders come from, Dowdy listed nearby states and even foreign countries like Guatemala and Australia. Last year there were 12 Brazilian riders. He said the event is attracting a lot of big names in bull riding.

Melinda Barton and Sadie Bier talked about high school prom being the same night at the fairgrounds this year. Dowdy said they had a lot of fun with that, even electing a prom king and queen from those who went to the bull battle after the prom.

Desiree Morehead

This cowboy has perfect form as he rides in the Alva Bull Battle 2023. Next year's event is April 5-6.

Kline made a motion, seconded by Bier, to approve up to $31,000 for the 2024 Bull Battle, and the motion passed unanimously. Dowdy plans to use the money to pay part of the estimated $34,300 for contract labor, the arena and back pens.

Barton, Bier and Kline were the only committee members present. Terri Parsons and Angelica Brady were absent.

While looking over financial reports, Barton asked City Business Manager Stephen Ford if everything is ready for the Oklahoma Tax Commission to start collecting Alva's tourism tax. Ford said the OTC will take over collections starting Jan. 1. He verified that letters will be sent out ahead of that date to hotels, motels, bed and breakfast places, anyone currently paying tourism tax.

The financial report shows Tourism has a balance of $189,738.21 in the city's pooled cash account. They also have $374,715.04 invested in certificates of deposit. One of the CD's for $150,000 is designated for the Alva Arena project.