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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent

A suggestion that another gate be built into the arena at the county fairgrounds was not a good idea according to the Ute Stampede Committee.

The Good Sams Club, which use the fairgrounds for their annual Samboree, requested that the commission allow the construction of one more gate and would be willing to pay one-half the cost of the project.

"The reason the Ute Stampede Committee opposes the installation of another gate is that is cuts off the view of fans," said Bob Day, building and grounds superintendent and a member of the committee.

"It also attracts the animals who can see out the weak spot and will then head toward it."

Steps over the fence, with hand rails, could be used.

Those steps could be bolted through the fence and could then be undone and be stored for another year. They could be moved into place by using a large tractor to pull them into place and then pull them away from the fence after the use was over.

It would be safer than  putting a ladder up so that those attending could get over the fence, something the group has done in the past.

"My concern would be the liability," said Bob Day, building and grounds superintendent.

The portable steps could be put in place when the Good Sams were present and then removed.

"The arena gets a lot of use each year," said Day. "When a rodeo horse is inside the arena, having another gate in the fence attracts them as a way out."

Rodeo contestants and producers use the three gates into the arena.

One gate lets large equipment and women's barrel racers into the arena and out again. The second opening is to allow animals to be driven through after a ride, and the third is to allow entrance into the arena by cowboys and animals participating in events involving catching calves.

In addition, there are the chutes where bulls and bucking horses and their riders enter the arena.

Wm. Boyd Howarth, commission chair, directed Day to contact the Good Sams group and find out if they would be willing to pay half of the estimated $2,300 needed to build the steps with hand rails.