Sweetwater Events Complex Generates $18.4 Million Economic Impact for Sweetwater County in 2023
The Sweetwater Events Complex in Sweetwater County had an economic impact of $18,429,218 in 2023, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. This figure only includes direct visitor spending.
Impact of National High School Finals Rodeo
Kandi Pendleton, the Executive Director of the Events Complex, expressed pride in this number and expects it to continue growing. She highlighted the upcoming National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) as a major contributor to the economic impact. The NHSFR is expected to bring in 1,800 contestants and will span from July 10 to July 20. Pendleton also mentioned that approximately 500 volunteers will be involved in the event.
Breakdown of Economic Impact
Out of the $18.4 million economic impact, $9 million was generated by the complex’s regular annual events. The summer season accounted for the remaining funds. Overnight stays contributed $1 million, while historic horse racing brought in up to $2.4 million. The airstream rally contributed 12% of the total, and Wyoming’s Big Show accounted for 19.7%.
Pendleton noted that the fair continues to grow year after year.
County Allocation of Funds
The Events Complex received $1.9 million from the county’s allocation of funds. The return on investment for the county is $9.36 for every dollar invested.
Overnight Campers and Rentals
In 2023, the complex had 15,366 overnight campers, generating approximately $3.3 million from campground fees alone. Additionally, there were 1,313 rental days, with the majority being used for banquets, celebrations, trade shows, meetings, weddings, equestrian events, and livestock events. Out of these rentals, 137 days were considered community service days and were donated.
Visitor Statistics
The Events Complex had approximately 359,000 visitors and 82,900 unique visitors in 2023. These numbers were obtained using geo-spotting technology, which only counts individuals who spend a minimum of seven minutes on the grounds to avoid counting traffic from Yellowstone Road. During the week of the fair alone, there were 94,200 visitors.
Recognition from County Commissioners
The Sweetwater County commissioners commended the Events Complex for its significant economic impact and community engagement. Commissioner Taylor Jones highlighted the strong community involvement in the complex’s events.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
- Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
Analysis
The article discusses the economic impact generated by the Sweetwater Events Complex in Sweetwater County. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article highlights the economic impact of the Sweetwater Events Complex, indicating progress towards SDG 8. The complex generated an economic impact of $18,429,218 for Sweetwater County in 2023, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates the promotion of decent work and economic growth in the region.
Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
The article mentions that the Events Complex is expecting a huge impact from the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR), which will bring in 1,800 contestants and around 500 volunteers. This event will contribute to job creation and promote local culture and products, aligning with Target 8.9.
Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate.
The economic impact generated by the Events Complex, specifically from regular annual events, overnight stays, historic horse racing, airstream rally, and Wyoming’s Big Show, can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Indicator 8.9.1. The article provides specific figures for each of these sources of economic impact.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article indirectly addresses SDG 12 by mentioning the economic impact generated from various events and activities at the Events Complex. This indicates the need for responsible consumption and production practices to ensure the sustainability of these events.
Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
The article does not explicitly mention awareness for sustainable development or lifestyles in harmony with nature. However, it highlights the economic impact generated by the Events Complex, which can be used as a basis for raising awareness about the importance of responsible consumption and production practices in event planning and management.
Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
The article does not provide information directly related to Indicator 12.8.1.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. | Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. | Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment. |
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Source: sweetwaternow.com
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