Cash cow vs. cougar gold

Cougars may affect the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley's economy more than cowboys. With the Lewiston Roundup almost through, Hot August Nights a memory and most other large-scale events over, local businesses haven't really seen an increase in traffic.

"So far I've only had one or two people say they're here for the Roundup," said Ian Rogers, front-desk manager of the Quality Inn in Clarkston.

"This year it seems there's a lack of interest and it's going to be about the same as the rest of the year."

Other motels in the area also normally haven't seen a huge increase in occupancy in past years during the Roundup, Nez Perce County Fair or Hot August Nights.

"We honestly don't see a huge influx from local events," said Shawna Jackson, general manager of the Comfort Inn in Lewiston.

"It just doesn't seem that local stuff drives the economy."

Hells Gate State Park has a limited number of camping hook-up sites, and is normally full, said Mike McElhatton, park manager.

He hasn't noticed a jump in reservations in past years specifically for special events like the Roundup.

"We may get some vendors or people who are here to watch, but not a whole lot," he said.

Other local events don't necessarily cause a spike in park visitors, he said, although he's noticed some overflow when people can't find accommodations in Pullman or Moscow, and sometimes even Spokane.

Ask local motel managers how business is affected by overflow from Pullman and Moscow during large events like Washington State University Cougar football games or Mom's Weekend at WSU or the University of Idaho, and the answer is different.

"We're pretty much guaranteed to sell out," Jackson said.

Rogers said the Quality Inn is already booked up for Father's Weekend in October.

Other valley businesses do benefit from local events, especially the Roundup.

"We definitely see a difference during rodeo weekend," said Lee Horner, manager of Rowdy's Texas Steakhouse and Saloon.

"You don't see a lot of familiar faces in here."

From a labor economist's view, employment numbers do go up in August and September.

"The rodeo and Hot August Nights certainly contribute to that, but it's also the return to the classroom for students and teachers," said Doug Tweedy, regional labor economist for the Idaho Commerce and Labor Department in Lewiston.

In the past five years, employment associated with tourism, and these events, has grown, Tweedy said.

Although Lewiston and Clarkston may see some overflow from Pullman and Moscow, the converse isn't necessarily true.

"We're full pretty much all of the time for university events," said Tiffny Weighall, guest services manager at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Pullman.

She said the valley's large events don't really bring much of a jump to her business.

"It depends on how large the event is down there, but we just don't get a lot of overflow," she said.

One business in Lewiston almost assured an increase this time of year, especially during the Roundup, is D&B Farm and Home.

The store sponsors amateur barrel racing at the rodeo, and also sells a lot of Western clothing.

"We get a lot of people coming in who wouldn't necessarily wear Western clothes or a hat," said Grove Ayers, general manager of the Lewiston store.

"Everyone just wants to get duded up to go to the Roundup or the dance."

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Heisinger may be contacted at andreah@lmtribune.com