LOVELOCK - The Frontier Days Committee (FDC) is embarking on a series of fundraisers to support the group's high school scholarship program.
The group that organizes the annual Lovelock Frontier Days festival has been in a financial downfall for the last few years. This year the group reported having a beginning year balance of $6,971 to put on the 2012 event. This is about half of the beginning year balance of five years ago, said FDC Treasurer Melanie Hamilton.
"The committee has lost money each year, approximately the same amount as the scholarships we have given out each year," Hamilton said.
In an effort to combat the financial losses, the FDC is organizing fundraisers that will go directly to the scholarship fund so as not to pull from the general fund for staging the Frontier Days event, FDC Vice-Chair Darla Barrick said.
"We really need people to support us so we can get the scholarships back up. The more support we get the more scholarship money we can give out," Barrick said.
Last year the FDC gave out only two $500 scholarships, down from five years ago when it gave out four $1,000 scholarships.
The first fundraiser the FDC will hold is a Potato Bar on Jan. 27 at the Catholic Hall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Barrick said people can pre-order their potatoes by calling (775) 857-9361. There are a variety of toppings to choose, including the basic butter and sour cream but also salsa, green onions, bacon bits, broccoli, chili, shredded cheese and cheese sauce. Potatoes with all the toppings will sell for $6 each. There will also be a you-pick-it raffle on the same day.
Another FDC fundraiser will be on Valentine's Day, when they will sell balloons, with a bag of valentine candy and your special message delivered to your special someone all for $3 each. The FDC is currently taking pre-orders for both fundraisers by calling the above phone number. Creekside Variety will also be selling the balloon packages on Valentine's Day.
There will be car washes as weather permits, Barrick said.
The week before Lovelock Frontier Days, which will be held on Aug. 3 - 5 this year, the group will be offering window painting with custom Lovelock Frontier Days designing and removal the week after Frontier Days.
"We're really hoping the businesses will help us out with this. We have a few really good artists on our committee and the windows will attract attention to the businesses as well as to Frontier Days the following weekend," Barrick said.
"All the money we make from these fundraisers goes directly into the scholarship funds, not into the general budget," Barrick added.
The 2012 Lovelock Frontier Days motto is "All aboard to Lovelock Frontier Days" with a picture of the Lovelock Depot in the logo. Frontier Days merchandise with the logo on it will be available around mid-June at the chamber of commerce and some local businesses. Barrick said they are going to take pre-orders on the merchandise also.
"It's best to pre-order to guarantee you get the size and colors that you want," Barrick commented.
The group is always looking for people to help. Barrick said to volunteer, just talk to a committee member at one of the fundraisers.
"There are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes to make Frontier Days happen. We can always use more help," Barrick said.
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