Horse shows earn estimated $180-million a year for Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ More than 1,300 people and 2,000 horses are in Oklahoma City through Saturday for the American Quarter Horse Championship Show. <br/><br/>The show is the culmination of a year of efforts

Monday, November 15th 2004, 8:42 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ More than 1,300 people and 2,000 horses are in Oklahoma City through Saturday for the American Quarter Horse Championship Show.

The show is the culmination of a year of efforts to qualify for the chance to compete on the biggest stage in the sport.

The event is also one of about 30 a year at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City that officials say generate more than $180-million a year for the area economy.

Next month, voters will decide whether to pass an increase in the city's hotel tax that would be earmarked for improvements at the State Fair Arena.

The proposal on the December 14th ballot would increase the tax from 2.5% to 5.5% and is expected to raise $4.5-million annually. The bulk of the money would be for improvements to the barns and stalls at the fairgrounds.