Meeker Range Call: Rejuvenating a tradition

MEEKER I Following the 2011 event, the Range Call committee feared that our 126-year-old celebration would be diluted to merely a parade. The thought of this tradition going by the wayside was sad and to most, simply unacceptable. The committee, comprised of just over 20 volunteers, decided to face our challenge and dedicate any spare time to rejuvenate an event that was losing its luster.
Throughout the past months I have met with just about every club, organization and group willing to hear Range Call’s grim story. What I found was a community that loves (and relies on) the 4th of July celebration. Annually, for the past 126 years, this community has commemorated the American dream with their family and friends in our grandstands.
As I listened to the community’s wants, desires, likes and dislikes, it became apparent that people, young and old, from all walks of life, plan to be in Meeker for the 4th of July. In creating the 2012 schedule of events, we attempted to provide something for each demographic. With the 4th falling on a Wednesday in 2012, it has given us an opportunity to host new events, such as a freestyle motocross show, while keeping our traditional events on the roster.
One of our most exciting changes for the coming year is that the concert will be held at Ute Park, commonly known as the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials’ location. The logistics of moving the concert venue comes with many challenges, but with the help of the Town of Meeker and White River Electric Association, our vision is becoming a reality. This new venue boasts fantastic acoustics, grassy seating, stress-free parking and plenty of room to enjoy the sounds of Shooter Jennings, Cody Canada and the Departed, as well as at least one more opening act.
Shooter Jennings (son of the late Waylon Jennings) and opening acts are often categorized as “Red Dirt” bands. Mixing traditional country with a little rock ’n’roll, these bands are enjoyed by all ages and are sweeping American music charts. Country Jam, which is held only days prior to Range Call each year, books the big names in country music. Rather than attempting to compete against an event that pays hundreds and thousands of dollars in country-specific entertainment, we have chosen to jump to the cutting edge of the music industry. Examining the success of Steamboat’s week long red dirt music fest each January, Range Call has the opportunity to create a similar summer event.
While bringing in bands of this caliber is exciting, financially, the committee is working double time to make ends meet. In these tough times, we understand that sponsoring an event is the last thing businesses want to do. I encourage you to change your perspective. Imagine our economy without the annual Range Call celebration. Instead of just giving some money, let’s make that money work for you. Think of it as an investment for Meeker’s future. Come July, customers will spend their hard-earned dollars at the stores they have seen advertised through Range Call’s completely redesigned website and reconfigured marketing tools.
Website traffic is anticipated to be in the thousands. For the first time ever, wristbands will be available to purchase online. Wristbands purchased online will then be available to pick up at the Range Call booths starting the week of the event through the evening of the concert. Wristbands will be sold locally at the online price through July 3. On July 4, wristbands will be available at the gate for $5 more than the online price. In an effort to accommodate families and returning school classes, we have created a completely customizable reunion ticket package, which can include discounted event wristbands, reserved seating and catered meals. Along with the reunion ticket package, we will also offer family and group packages.
As you gather with your family and friends this weekend, whisper a little prayer for our volunteers who have chosen to put in more hours and dedication than ever before. Planning your reunion just got a whole lot easier, entertaining friends from out of town just became way more fun and choosing to support our local economy just brought on a whole new meaning!
Join us Dec. 31 at the Fairgrounds for a New Year’s Party, complete with live music from Straight Shot, cash bar, snacks, tipsy taxi and giveaways.