Raceway beer
Dear Editor, and Concerned Citizens,
In response to comments regarding the recent decision of the Red Willow County Fair Board, City of McCook, McCook Speedway officials and Taste of Texas BBQ LLC to have available a beer garden during the McCook Speedway races, we offer the following:
Did you know that Taste of Texas graciously is returning 100 percent of all profits from beer sales to the McCook Speedway?
What does this do in return? It essentially provides additional entertainment for the fans because the promoter will be able to use a portion of that money towards higher purses for the drivers. Higher purses will make it more affordable for more drivers from around the Midwest and further states who are chasing after the IMCA championships to come to McCook.
Did you know that giving back 100 percent of the profits it is a huge charitable gesture made by James Arp and Taste of Texas BBQ LLC? Not only is he giving up his profits, he is willing to continue the responsibility of jeopardizing his liquor license.
Every day he opens his doors at the restaurant, he is taking on that risk. Why is he doing this? Because he loves racing, he wants to see the McCook Speedway succeed, and he wants to see other business profit.
Did you know that the McCook Speedway is not the first to have a public beer garden in McCook? The Kiplinger Arena has a beer garden when they host the Professional Bull Rider's; numerous trade shows that have an event in McCook also host beer gardens. Why should the Speedway be singled out?
Let us be quite clear: having a beer is not a prerequisite to having fun at the local race track or any public event. And, having a beer is not a prerequisite to getting drunk and disorderly. But having a beer and snacks can certainly be a responsible part of the atmosphere just like it is when you attend a major league baseball game, professional or college football game, a local trade show, attend an event at the Kiplinger Arena or even a family member's wedding.
While we understand that there might be those annoying few who tend to abuse any privilege, we are confident that Taste of Texas, the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and McCook Speedway officials will work diligently to keep a close eye on things. Added security will be provided to help monitor beer sales and consumption.
Let's all do our part to ensure our fun at the McCook Speedway stays fun and exciting. If you drink, drink responsibly and respect others around you. If you don't drink, do not sit or go near the restricted area that will be sectioned off. In addition, the McCook Speedway will have additional trash receptacles in the restricted area where drinking will occur. They also have people in place to assure that the grandstands are cleaned the night after each race.
The focus of the McCook Speedway is not to promote alcohol. It is to promote a family-friendly environment, something that everybody can enjoy. It is unfair to make predetermined judgments on the sale of alcohol at the McCook Speedway since it is already going on at the fairgrounds and within the city during numerous events. Instead of being negative towards progress, be positive and support local attractions that bring additional revenue to our city and Southwest Nebraska.
We would appreciate it if the community would have consideration these 12 evenings out of the year.
Thank you.
Dennis McFarland
McCook Speedway
Promoter