Stewart's 96 Ranch is in the midst of planning one of the biggest parties Humboldt County has seen.
Kris Stewart's presentation package to the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors' Authority impressed them enough that they had no reservations about granting $12,000 to help with marketing and promotion and some of the infrastructure needed for the celebration.
Stewart's '96 Ranch was founded in 1864 by William Stock. Since that year, the ranch has remained in the same location and under ownership and operation of five generations of the same family. The August events - chosen to commemorate Nevada's ranching history as well as the 150th anniversary of the '96 Ranch are open to the public.
WCVA Chairman Terry Boyle pointed out the planned celebration, with a number of events from August 6-10, is an enormous undertaking. Kris Stewart explained the progress already made on many of the events, as well as the large response from people who are signing up for the events.
She told board members, "Before spending the last 20 years as a ranch wife, I spent 10 years in marketing."
Stewart gave expected costs and revenue projections for each event in the celebration. She outlined projected revenue for the business community - $234,000, for the WCVA specifically - $10,650 through room tax revenue and for a minimum of 12 different area youth or charitable groups who will benefit financially from taking part in the event.
Stewart said that everything involved in putting on the events will be purchased locally, if at all possible. "We want to make this celebration a win for local business and for youth and charity organizations," she said, adding that their goal was not to make any money from the events but instead, to allow worthy local charitable and youth groups to benefit from any monies raised.
She noted that many people and organizations have come forward with offers of assistance. "Our insurance costs went way down when Humboldt General Hospital said they would help us with an ambulance and EMTs at every event." She added insurance costs went down again when Humboldt County Sheriff's Office agreed to have deputies on horseback at the events. "A lot of people came to us and said, 'we'd like to help,' including people we've done business with and who have provided professional services to the ranch."
Stewart told the WCVA Saturday's events will include native and western art show and sale, historic ranch program and displays from the Smithsonian and Library of Congress, participation by the U.S. and Nevada Color Guard, a local Paiute ceremony, Centennial Ranch Presentation from NRCS, dinner at the ranch followed with a concert - western newcomer, Ashley Cook opening for four-time Western Entertainer of the Year, Dave Stamey.
The ranch's sesquicentennial coincides with the sesquicentennial of Nevada's statehood admission into the Union. 'Nevada 150', the State's organization coordinating sesquicentennial-year celebrations all over Nevada has recognized the '96 Ranch sesquicentennial as a 'signature event'.
Governor Brian Sandoval has committed to being present at the main sesquicentennial celebration on Saturday, He will be welcomed and introduced by local judge Michael Montero. Dean Heller and Sue Louden have also said they'll be there and Stewart said, "As the election year heats up, we may hear from more state and local candidates and office holders." As a signature event, the festivities will be calendared on the Nevada 150 website and promoted by the 'Nevada 150' organization.
Winnemucca's Ranch Hand Rodeo this weekend is an official 'Nevada 150' event, and the Tri County Fair over the Labor Day weekend is a signature 'Nevada 150' event.
Contact Joyce Sheen at j. sheen@winnemuccapublishing.net[[In-content Ad]]
