The bike show at Cactus Jalopies is always a popular event as daredevils fly through the air. (Richard McGuire file photo)

The Town of Osoyoos will use $5,500 from resort municipality funds to offset the costs of the bike-jumping event at this June’s Cactus Jalopies.

At its Tuesday meeting, council accepted a recommendation from Gerald Davis, director of community services, to approve the request.

“This is an event that brings a wealth of people into our community and has an economic benefit for all,” said Davis in a report to council. “It has been very successful over the years and it is one of the largest events that is organized in town. This event also supports non-profit groups by donating funds to various entities.”

Davis noted that the request by Cactus Jalopies for a community service grant was not approved because this event is eligible for Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding.

RMI is a provincial program that provides funds to 14 designated resort municipalities, including Osoyoos, for certain tourism-related expenditures. The funds come from hotel taxes.

“This event has received funding from the town in the past and it is a very worthwhile event for the community,” said Davis.

Coun. C.J. Rhodes asked town staff if there were sufficient funds left from RMI and whether event organizers would carry sufficient insurance for the dangerous event. He was given positive assurances on both questions.

Coun. Mike Campol pointed out that Cactus Jalopies was a grassroots event that went for several years without receiving assistance from the town or marketing organizations.

“It grew organically to become a well-known event in the Okanagan,” he said, noting that it has had help from Destination Osoyoos in recent years.

“It’s brought a ton of people to the community that wouldn’t otherwise be here on that particular weekend,” Campol added, pointing to the positive economic boost to restaurants, retail, motels and other local services.

While all council members supported the request, Mayor Sue McKortoff expressed her personal misgivings.

“As a parent, it drives me nuts to watch this because I sure wouldn’t want my kid up there,” she said. “But they do an amazing job and it draws huge crowds.”

McKortoff pointed out that the event has received RMI funding in other recent years.

The bike jumping is scheduled for June 9.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times