Pryor's Economy Expected To Take A Hit From Country Fever Cancellation

By Craig Day, The News On 6

PRYOR, OK -- The struggling economy has put one of Green Country's biggest outdoor events on hold.

Organizers of Country Fever near Pryor won't hold the big four-day event this summer. The loss is expected to strike a sour note for Pryor's economy.

3/5/2010  Related Story: Country Fever Organizers Cancel 2010 Music Event

At the Pryor T Conoco, word is spreading that Country Fever is on hold this year. A lot of folks at the store are disappointed. The store sees a 35 percent increase in business, each time the four day festival is held just outside of Pryor.

"They mostly buy gas, ice, pops, beer. They buy quite a bit of stuff," said Steve Ahmed, Pryor T Conoco.

Organizers cite shrinking attendance, fewer sponsor commitments due to the economy and increasing artist performance fees for the cancellation. That doesn't sound good to businesses that have sung the praises of the big crowds.

"Restaurants, stores, and all the stuff; it's going to be really bad," said Ahmed.

In a town already hit by recent layoffs, it's another setback. Mayor Jimmy Tramel's first reaction?

"Sales tax here we go. We're going to start off next year with a downturn in sales tax, just like we did this year. It's just going to get worse," said Pryor Mayor Jimmy Tramel.

Pryor's sales taxes are down $361,000 in collections this year. Losing Country Fever hurts even more.

"That's about $100,000 just in sales tax revenue. That's a big hit," said Tramel.

Tramel says thankfully, the city put back some money when economic times were good. And he's hopeful the rising popularity of Rocklahoma, which will be held this year, will offset the loss of Country Fever and that the event can return for 2011 if the economy improves.

Country Fever hopes to return for 2011. 

Tramel says Pryor will now step up efforts to attract people to town, including hosting more regional youth athletic events.