Council Agrees to Fund $25,000 for Popular Event in 2025
Rick Langenberg
After months of speculation and preliminary talks, Cripple Creek elected leaders have officially signaled the green light for the grand return of the Salute to American Veterans Rally and motorcycle ride, one of the town’s most popular festivals for years.
In a special meeting last week, the council unanimously voted to bring back the event, sponsored and organized by ProPromotions, and to foot $25,000 in expenses for the rally next year. Part of these costs will go towards financing the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall, which will be displayed at the Cripple Creek/Victor High School football field. The bulk of the rally funds, consisting of about $20,000, will go towards a variety of expenses to operate the several-day festival. Unlike past years, this money will be paid out directly to vendors and companies that provide services for the rally, such as for video, graphics and advertising, rather than just handing the money over to ProPromotions.
Although nothing is set in stone for the event’s long-term future, the council indicated it wanted Cripple Creek to host the rally for at least three more years, which would allow the event to celebrate its 35th birthday in 2027.
Of all the members of the elected panel, Councilwoman Melissa Trenary expressed the most passionate comments about the need to bring back the rally, a fixture in Cripple Creek for decades. The rally was held in Woodland Park for the last several years, but future funding obstacles developed in the last year. ProPromotions President Jim Wear previously stated that 2024 would be the last year the event would be held in Woodland Park, and that the rally group was searching for a new home.
Trenary noted that the rally did a lot more than just providing a community event. She described it as a life savior for many veterans, who revered the sense of comradery and brotherhood this event offered.
In an emotion speech, she contended the rally saved the life of a veteran she knew quite well, who was contemplating suicide until attending this rally. And this person, whom Trenary referred to as ‘Art,’ has since become a big advocate for helping fellow veterans in dealing with their daily struggles, according to the council member.
“It saved Art’s life,” said Trenary, who stressed the value of this event. “It would be worth $100,000 a year (to finance the event) to save one vet’s life. We give them this chance (with the rally).
Other council members weren’t quite as emotional, but they too praised the event, and especially the signature ceremony, featuring patriotic speeches by head military officers and veterans, a number of whom were involved in difficult battles. “This is what it is all about,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Brown, who believes the rally sometimes takes a back seat to special event politics and arguments about money.
“It is a very memorable event,” added Councilman Jared Bowman. He also cited the city’s intention to have more events as an added plus for agreeing to host the rally.
But with the decision to fund the rally, the elected panel could open itself up to claims of special treatment. This point was raised by Councilman Cody Schwab, who questioned if the council was setting a precedent by allocating this amount of money for the rally, which wasn’t previously planned in the 2025 budget. “Why are we giving them (ProPromotions) special treatment?” questioned Schwab. He indicated that groups, such as the Two Mile High Club, could ask for similar requests. The Two Mile High group played a big role in organizing Donkey Derby Days and the Fall fest, two events that drew big crowds.
But Bowman didn’t see this as a problem and cited the Ice Castles attraction as an example of a private company that received some city monies based on the value they provided to the community.
“This is the budget process,” said City Administrator Frank Salvato, in describing these types of decisions. “This is the time and place for these discussions.”
Following last week’s decision, several council members indicated they wanted to have a more detailed discussion with representatives of ProPromotions pertaining to the 2025 rally.
Even though the rally ceremonies will be returning to Cripple Creek, the POW/MIA motorcycle procession ride, which originates in Woodland Park and extends to Cripple Creek, will still occur as planned in previous years.
