By Jim Stanford on January 26, 2012
Comments: 13 Comments

Aaron Pruzan carves a fresh turn Tuesday, when the morning snow glittered like diamonds. Pruzan has done yeoman's work on the Travel and Tourism Board, but often is outvoted by those who favor conventional marketing.
The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board has decided which community groups will receive lodging tax funds for promoting their events this year. The distribution is somewhat puzzling.
The chamber of commerce — well represented on the board — is the biggest recipient, netting $46,500 for Old West Days, Jackson Hole Marathon, Destination Wellness and WinterFest, the News&Guide reported.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will receive the maximum $20,000 for its Mountain Fest, the centerpiece of which is a free concert March 31. The resort has not yet booked a band, but the additional funding gives promoters a stronger hand, said Andy Calder, who produces the event for the resort with Dom Gagliardi of Poppa Presents.
“Let’s shoot for the stars here,” Calder said.
The Stage Stop sled dog race, which starts Friday on the Town Square, will receive $10,000, as will the Jackson Hole Figure Skating Invitational and Vista 360 Fire Festival. Despite being one of the biggest draws of the winter, the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb also will get $10,000.
It’s disappointing the Jackson Hole Ski Club receives only $5,000 each for Town Downhill and Pole Pedal Paddle. The ski club brings hundreds of athletes and their families to town each winter and has been putting on these sporting events for more than 30 years — on a shoestring budget, with parents and volunteers staffing races for a free lift ticket.
Posted under County Government, Economy, Entertainment, Music, Politics, Sports, Town Government
Tags: hill climb, jackson hole mountain resort, pole pedal paddle, ski racing, skiing, sled dogs, snowmobiles, tourists














