Jackson, WY — In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Jackson Town Council approved a one‑year extension of the rodeo concession agreement with the Wilson family’s WW Productions. The amendment keeps the current operation running through September 2027 and gives staff time to develop recommendations for the 2028 season and beyond.
Key changes to the agreement
The extension adds several items to the existing contract, which will be presented to council by Oct. 31. New provisions include more detailed ticket reporting, priority access to tickets for local residents before visitors, and the removal of a clause that limited the town’s options for future concessionaires after 2027.
Historical context and revenue growth
Deputy Town Manager David Garcia noted that the last competitive bid for the concessionaire position occurred in 2009. WW Productions secured a five‑year contract in 2021, and revenues have risen dramatically since then – from just under $50,000 in 2004 to roughly $400,000 in 2025, with most of the increase occurring after the pandemic.
Community support
Public comment was overwhelmingly positive. State Senator Mike Gierau voiced his backing, and local senior Mattie Dornan of Jackson Hole High School described the Wilsons as “like family,” saying it would be “really hard … to not have them.” Rick Howe, CEO of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, called the operation “first‑class” and urged council not to lose the family’s support.
Patriarch Phillip Wilson addressed the audience, calling the rodeo a “golden egg” for the community and a vital preserver of Western heritage that is disappearing rapidly. He emphasized how the rodeo makes Western culture tangible for residents and visitors alike.
Addressing concerns
Councilors also dispelled rumors that the rodeo or fairgrounds might be removed or that housing development would shrink the fairgrounds footprint. Councilor Devon Viehman asked the press to note that the council does not intend to eliminate the rodeo.
One resident, Skye Schell, raised a separate issue about noise. She asked whether the town is measuring decibel levels from the rodeo and whether sound could be directed into the arena rather than surrounding neighborhoods, reflecting a desire for responsible stewardship of the event.
Looking ahead
The one‑year extension provides the rodeo with the lead time needed to raise stock, secure sponsors, and staff the 2027 season. Town staff will use this period to evaluate the concession model and consider options for 2028, ensuring the rodeo remains a vibrant part of Jackson’s cultural and economic life.
With strong community endorsement and a clear plan for future evaluation, the Wilson family’s rodeo concession appears set to continue serving Jackson’s residents and visitors, preserving the town’s Western roots while contributing to local revenue growth.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
