Show Notes
In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, Abby Wimer, marketing director for the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena in Lyons, Kansas, talks about the realities of managing a horse show facility in a rural area.
Abby shares her background growing up on a cattle ranch in central Kansas and her subsequent career path in the pharmaceutical industry before returning home. She discusses her role in overseeing the operations of the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena, detailing the various equine and community events hosted at the facility.
Abby highlights the importance of community involvement and support for maintaining and growing the facility, including the unique funding structure. She also reflects on the positive impact her late husband Matthew Wimer had on her work and the horse community.
The conversation touches on the challenges of managing diverse events, adapting footing requirements for different disciplines, and the ongoing efforts to expand and improve the facility. Abby provides advice for show managers and facility operators in similar rural settings, emphasizing the value of community cooperation and continuous learning.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:07 Abby's Background and Journey 03:16 Joining the Celebration Center 04:17 Roles and Responsibilities 05:19 Community and Events 07:34 Memories and Tributes 10:48 Facility Overview and Operations 17:01 Equine Events and Activities 22:27 Managing the Arena 30:52 Weekly Routine and Challenges 36:46 Unique Features of the Facility 37:27 Exciting Retail Opportunities 39:43 Booking and Tourism Grants 42:11 Community and Family Atmosphere 51:27 Future Plans and Improvements 58:44 Advice for Show and Facility Managers 01:08:57 Living the Dream: Personal Reflections
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