Fernley FCTA approves $94,767 in event grants and boosts fireworks budget

Fernley — Members of the Fernley FCTA on Tuesday approved $94,766.70 in grants to nine local events and community programs and voted to increase the fireworks budget by $10,000, bringing the fireworks allocation to $40,000.

The awards followed presentations by organizers who emphasized tourism, community benefit and local spending. City treasurer Robert Carson noted the FCTA has $220,000 in annual revenues available for grants; after the mayor’s requested fireworks increase, roughly $180,000 remained for the current grant cycle.

Organizers described measurable local impact. Gabe Leha, representing Friendly Youth Softball Tournaments, said last year’s seven tournaments generated about 3,980 room nights and pushed average event room rates from $130–$150 to $185–$210, arguing those visitors bring direct hotel, restaurant and retail spending to Fernley. "It allows us to continue to bring tournaments to Fernley, which is a huge injection of... outside money coming in," Leha said.

Rich Krombi, president of the Nevada Veterans Coalition, asked for support for advertising and outreach for Wreaths Across America, noting the local program typically draws 1,500 people to Memorial Day services and that roughly half of attendees are from outside Fernley. He said the local effort now manages nearly 9,000 wreaths and also supplies wreaths to smaller Northern Nevada cemeteries.

Reigns of Hope at JT Ranch, a therapeutic equine program focused on veterans, first responders, children and at‑risk youth, received $15,000 for site improvements. Presenter Wes Plount said the nonprofit is already seeing out‑of‑town clients and plans to expand services and retreats; he described requested work including compacted pathways and covered enclosures to make sessions accessible and safe for clients.

Other awards included grants to the Friendly Junior Rodeo, the Ferntock concert, the Inferno music festival, Foundation Fridays and the Sacred Visions Pow‑Wow. After staff tallied scores, the board announced the specific amounts: Friendly Softball $15,666.67; Wreaths Across America $9,866.67; Fernley Junior Rodeo $10,000; Ferntock $5,533.33; Foundation Fridays $4,000; Reigns of Hope $15,000; Inferno festival $16,333.33; Fourth of July celebration $10,000; and Sacred Visions Pow‑Wow $8,366.70, for a total of $94,766.70.

The motion to approve the awards was made by Mr. Hannon and seconded by Mr. Mendoza; the board voted 3‑0 to pass the measure. Earlier in the meeting, the board approved the mayor’s request to increase fireworks funding by $10,000; that motion also passed unanimously.

April Hammy of the clerk’s office said award letters will be emailed within the week and encouraged organizations to send event dates and promotional materials so staff can help publicize the events. The board also discussed a recurring problem: free community events are difficult to measure for hotel rooms and attendance, and members asked staff to explore ways to improve 'heads and beds' tracking for future reporting.

The FCTA meeting adjourned after routine items; several applicants thanked the board and invited members to visit programs and events in person.