State Fair Rodeo Goes Tobacco-Free

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Chewing tobacco and cigarettes are common habits and lucrative sponsors on the rodeo circuit. But not at this year's Utah State Fair Rodeo:

"While they have been a sponsor in the past, it wasn't worth the public opinion of those who were very outspoken," says State Fair spokesperson Denise Allen. "And it wasn't worth the small amount of money they contributed."

Allen says members of the Utah State Fair board of directors are following a national tobacco-free trend in rodeos. U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is a national sponsor of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, for which the Utah State Fair Rodeo is a qualifying event. Allen says prohibiting tobacco advertising and sponsors at this year's rodeo did not endanger the PRCA endorsement.

This year the fairgrounds also feature no-smoking signs, though smoking is permitted. Allen says the board is considering an outright ban, but worries it may be difficult to enforce.

The Utah State Fair Rodeo runs through Sunday night. The State Fair offers exhibits and live entertainment daily through September 16th.

Details online at www.utahstatefair.com.

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