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L.J. Frink/News-Herald Photo Tiffany Hilton relaxes in an Island Hopper fun boat, one of the many products being offered by vendors set up at the International Jet Sports Boating Association World Finals. The boat has been on the market for about eight months, according to owners, Travis Dancy and Jason Barnhouse, seen in the background. The two-person vessel's standard features include an 8-foot umbrella, 30-pound electric trolling motor that averages 14-16 hours, a built-in 65-quart cooler and navigation lights for night use. The IJSBA World Finals at Crazy Horse Campgrounds concludes today. Admission is free.

World Finals vendors report slow sales

By Jayne Hanson
Saturday, October 11, 2008 7:30 PM MST

A record number of vendors attended this year’s International Jet Sports Boating Association World Finals at Crazy Horse Beach. However, some vendors and local business owners saw a slower trend in spending.

“We have 77 vendors this year,” said Johnny Walker of DSM Events. “We usually average about 64-65 vendors each year.”

Even with a record number of vendors in attendance at the IJSBA World Finals event, the crowd was not at their usual maximum spending capacity. Vendors seem to still appreciate the event and their company’s presence there.

“It’s been slower than last year. Saturday, so far, has been the best attendance day,” said Shari Butler, owner of The Flip Flop Shop in Lake Havsu City and IJSBA World Finals vendor. “The event has still been good and strong, but definitely not as strong as last year was.”

However, the slow spending trends did not blemish the attitudes of the vendors.

“I thought it was going to be busier, but we are having a good time. It’s so fun, all the diversity, all the people, it’s really cool,” said Judge Hammond, manager of Utility Board Shop in Lake Havasu City and IJSBA World Finals vendor. “It’s been cool and we would love to come back next year.”

“Sales are a little bit down from last year, and attendance is down, you can tell. It’s still a good event. You can tell people are watching what they spend,” said Sarah Whitehead, vice president of Jettribe, a watercraft accessories and clothing vendor from the Los Angeles area.

A wide diversity of cultures makes the vendor area an interesting place, in its own right.

Local accommodations for the IJSBA World Finals events show a trend in longer stays and a peaked interest in vacation rentals.

Jeannette Clayton of Lake Havasu Vacation Rentals said, “We had a really good turnout this year. They come from all kinds of countries, Brazil, Norway, Spain, China and the European area. The numbers are up from last year.”

Hampton Inn General Manager Jim Compton said, the hotel’s occupancy is “a little down from last year” in regard to the IJSBA World Finals event.

Island Inn Assistant General Manager Sarah Shetto said, “Occupancy is definitely up. We have guests from Argentina and Australia staying as many as 13 nights. We had to turn quite a few away. The Lake Havasu High School reunion booked the entire hotel and was in conflict with the dates to accommodate (IJSBA World Finals) guests who were interested in the longer stays.” Shetto said, during the World Finals last year, occupancy was about the same, possibly a little lower.

Crazy Horse Campground’s main office receptionist Jackie Boger said, “We are not as full as last year, we had more (guests) last year.”

Crazy Horse Campground’s gate security Eric Facciuto said, “The campground is very busy with vendors, racers, and several parking lot shuttles coming and going.” He said the Marine Corps League comes through all day long as they tend to trash detail in the (race) pits and vendor areas.

“The Marine Corps League does a very, very good job,” Facciuto said.

Local bars and restaurants have felt the impact of the IJSBA World Finals event in their sales and many report steady patronage in comparison to previous years.

“We are showing very strong sales right now. We are open for business and here to stay,” Golden Corral’s kitchen manager Ricky Pender said.

“Visitor counts seem to be down a little bit from last year, but things are going great this year,” said London Bridge Resort General Manager Cal Sheehy.

The IJBSA World Finals event mainly impacts the resort’s food and beverage sales at Kokomo’s, Martini Bay and Style Nightclub. “In comparison to last year, there is not an influx of visitors by any means, but sales have remained stable,” Sheehy said.

Mudshark Brewing Company General Manager Diane Wiland said, “Business is very, very good. It’s about the same as last year.”

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of havasunews.com.

Reader Comments

Desertrat wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:53 PM:

" I am not afraid of a thing= those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. And you find out who I am - then what? Harass me into thinking the PD are all big bad boogie men, dragging me into the corrupt oourts? Sorry, I don't buy it. And most everyone else I talk to don't either. They get a ticket they deserve, or have positive experiences wtih the PD. But then again, we all obey the law. "

getting closer to proof wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:02 PM:

" So people, if they work hard, can post three times at most, less if someone else has hit the library or work already. Good post Rat, well thought out.

Are you afraid that the papers static IP would not allow you to post at all? Hmmm? getting closer! "

Dessertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:41 AM:

" IP addresses? yeah right, some people have work computers, home computers, laptops, can even go to the library, etc. Yeah, that will prove alot. Look at the one or two posters that go under a million different names. They can't access different computers? Yeah. Sure. And radio talk shows have the same format=anonymous. This all started over a mooring ticket. Most of the public have positive experiences with the police, those partying, acting up in the channel, probably not. hmmm, who to believe? Hard working citizens of LHC, or the vacations who come here with the attitude, anything goes? Can you say Vegas? "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:11 AM:

" aduh- so you are saying the tourists stopped coming about 2 years ago? Isn't that the around the time the infamous mooring ticket and all the bashing began? Coincidence I guess! Must be the PD. And Vicki, if anonymous bashing gets attention by governing officials, we need to be very worried. "

dessert has it backwards wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:30 PM:

" Sweeping the problem under the run does not solve it. Is that what your mom taught you Dessertrat? Just dont talk about a problem and it goes away. As for the post you mention, it affirms the facts posted by cindy.
The tourist are not coming back until Havasu makes some changes, not because people are trying to bringing the problem to the attention of the public. You have it backwards. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Keep up the good work- Yeah, keep bashing the community. That will bring in the tourism! But if you accept the fact that YOU and the whiners are driving people away, how can you blame the PD? What a dilemma. As for Cindy's 'facts' read the post regarding law enforcement procedures and litigous clients under the taser article. Might explain a few things to you! "

Val G wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Well, I guess being censored is true. My last post back to Vicki did not make it. Sorry, it was a good one! I'm outta here! "

aduh wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:18 PM:

" Ratman, that is easy. Ask to see the IP addresses. That will tell the story EASY. OR just read the newspaper like the police department liable, the Magistrate reprimanded, the city attorney suspended.....

Another way is to check the boards on the internet, ask the newpaper to do a lexxus/nexxus search for news articles, call a few radio stations in SD that did talk shows about the police here. It is easy. OR, just look at the decline for the last two years. That were going on BEFORE the gas went up and the economy went bad due to the democratic take over of congress and those liberal policies wrecked the great Bush economy. "

Vicki wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:03 PM:

" I would agree that going face to face or at least sending a certified letter of complaint to the council, city manager, police chief or court system would be the logical way to bring an issue to the forefront. However, I have found that these entities are not really interested in addressing public concerns. They have their agenda and if you question it all you get is thanks for your input or your input goes in the round file even if you have legal proof that something is amiss! I agree that a lot of the postings here get a bit over board but it is better than being at the bottom of the round file. At least some of the issues get attention if there are enough posts to generate concern by the local governing officials. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 3:30 PM:

" So how can the City Council be sure that all bashing posts are not by the same person? They can't. Therefore, basing their opinions/votes on this information is irresponsbile to say the least. "

Keep up the good work wrote on Oct 18, 2008 2:37 PM:

" Tim, not to mention that Dessertrat has yet to even attempt to disupute the facts Cindy posted.

The people of Havasu deserve a police force that is above reproach. We need tourism and to drive it away by the actions of the justice system here is just plain dumb. We need the council to act and put a stop to it. Purge the system and get rid of all the weeds growing in the city justice system. "

my two cents wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:45 AM:

" I think getting rid of bad cops is defending the community. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 6:29 AM:

" If you think all that is because of an anonymous no accountability newspaper forum, you are sadly mistaken. If policies are changed because of a newspaper forum, then this city has bigger problems than first suspected. Most leaders recognize that this forum is actually used by a handful with no actual fact based reporting due to its design. How ridiculous to think that city leaders would look to something so unreliable to base changes. Facts, statistics, people willing to go face to face in meetings, with their names, etc. Not an anonymous, whining, blog like forum! But if you want to think that a couple people complaining on an anonymous, no accountability forum has power, who am I to shatter your delusion? "

Tim T wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:51 PM:

" new signs, an agenda item on a council retreat, police pulling off the channel. Ya, didn't do a thing.
I don't know what you learned in school but the right to talk about our grievences. So rat I could give a rat that you don't like the police and courts dirty laundry aired. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:03 PM:

" ps- I could care less who thinks I post under what name. I know what I do - and I choose to like where I live and defend my community. I am not the only one sick of the bashing. Deal with it. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Tim T: Solving problems by whining on the internet? Yep, real effective! "

Tim T wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:46 PM:

" So Desertrat would rather live a lie or in ignorance and others of us would rather out the problem and solve it. I do not believe for a second you post under one name unless you meant today? "

pwc insider wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Sue, there were a couple ladies involved in accidents. One is fine, she suffered a mild concussion but is otherwise A-OK, and another one from Italy had her leg broken in 4 places. She's had surgery in Havasu and last news is she's on her way home Saturday. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:29 AM:

" I only post under one name. I know you don't want to believe it, but not everyone likes to see our community, its public servants and the hard working citizens bashed on here, hence other people posting. They are sick of the negativity. It is not helping correct the problems we have. You are adding to our 'reputation' by posting under every article your own personal agenda. It is old and it is tired. Go enjoy our city. It might even make you feel better! "

sorry multiple name poster wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:11 AM:

" Dessertrat. I use my name when I post. You know nothing as usual. I posted facts, you cannot dismiss them just because you do not like them.
You are the only one using mutliple names as far as I can tell. "

mexlplex wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:09 AM:

" Prior Vendor- you are absolutely right... the world finals have been in decline for more than a few years and it's mostly an IJSBA problem... massive rules changes, a totally different competition format, a very shaky qualification process and the development of at least two other "world" championship events have taken their tole... "

Sue wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Does anyone know how the girl is that was involved in an accident jet skiing at the world finals? "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:14 PM:

" Vicki- I agree, there used to be more advertising, promotion. Not sure what is happening - budget cuts? Apathy? But certainly worth looking into. "

Vicki wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:32 PM:

" Val is somewhat right, a lot of the events that are held at LHC do not get enough publicity to bring in the tourists and there certainly aren't enough local attendees to make the events profitable. Before I caught onto checking the events calendar on the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website we were missing just about every event. At times even the Herald doesn’t feature events until they report them after the fact. If the events are going to be successful they must be promoted properly. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:01 AM:

" Once again, where is the proof? You don't have any...okay then. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:15 AM:

" Now we know....who the poster with a million names is --start looking at your business practices and stop blaming the PD. "

no city can be great wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:23 PM:

" MN, no city can be great when it's government is abusing the citizens. Balancing the budget on the backs tourist is wrong; especially when they have committed no crime. "

MN wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:39 AM:

" This could be so funny, if it wasn't so sad. The whole economy is in a world of hurt and all you can do is attack each other and our great city! Get out there and do something about what you think is so wrong here! Or just get out! LH and AZ aren't the only ones having problems. The Gov of CA just asked for some of the baleout money for his state! The economy and LH tourism was UP when people were charging everything and probably not paying their mortgage! If everyone lived within their means, the rest of us wouldn't have to baleout the freeloaders! "

LIFEGOESON wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:08 AM:

" WOW can't wait to see all you know it all's apply for a job as a cop in Havasu. You'll show em huh? "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:31 AM:

" only insults - unfortunately, all postings do not get posted. So any disputes with facts on certain issues are censored. You just keep seeking out negativity in our community. I will choose to believe what I experience, and support our community and its pulbic servants. "

Val G wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:48 PM:

" OK, I used my real name and I know alot of you out there know who I am. A loud mouth who says it the way I see it. I said it last week and I'll say it again! Havasu is dying....not from the police, not from anything within OUR powers, but the lack of getting our name out there and promoting the events that we are lucky enough to get here anymore! Anyone notice how everyone is leaving and finding new venues? Ever wonder why? Think about it! Havasu is a wonderful place to live if one can afford it anymore and it used to be a great place to raise kids as they could be kids. It seems the all mighty's (maybe relocated Californians?) are trying to change this once wonderful loving town into what they left behind? Get it together or this town is going to go under. The finals were a joke and I remember the old days too! Where was the advertising, where were the people? THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT!!! That is Havasu's fault but also the fault of the IJSBA. It is expensive to put an event like this on but if you want it a success, then it needs the exposure. Face it, get it together, or you will loose it all! "

only insults to answer wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:45 PM:

" I Noticed that the facts could not be disputed, the PD poster can only insult and spread lies. posters like desert rat can only post lies and cindy posted facts. Whom to believe? "

aduh wrote on Oct 14, 2008 6:35 AM:

" cindy, excellent post. Kudos. Again for any of the police posters who still ride the short bus, I have never been stopped by the police for so much as a parking ticket. The area police in the other area towns are excellent. The other area Judges are excellent (except one JoP in kingman). The other area city attornies manage to not be suspended.
So a big "duh" to those who cannot deal with facts. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:56 AM:

" Prior vendor -thanks for telling it like it is - these events and tourism are down all over the country. A few clowns (criminals?) on here keep blaming the PD and the courts. Oh, if only the pd and courts had such power! Perhaps they could drive these out of touch whiners, criminals out of our community. However, most like it here and support our city. Those who don't should just leave. "

reality wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:31 PM:

" i would soo love it that for one day someone actually revealed their identity and said their real name on posts instead of their famous "blog" name. "

RIVR wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:15 PM:

" CINDY ITS HARD TO ARGUE WITH IRISH HE IS ALWAYS RIGHT JUST ASK HIM,IM GLAD HAVASU IS HAVING PROBLEMS,IF YOU DISAGRE WITH WITH THE LAW LOVERS THEY SAY DONT COME BACK,SO I GUESSING A FEW TOOK THERE ADVISE,LETS SEE IF THE SNOW BIRDS DO THE SAME.MONEY IS TIGHT BUT THAT ISNT Y I STOPPED GOING, CITIZEN,IRISH,RAT,THEY KNOW EVERYTHING,IM JUST A LOW LIFE FROM CALI.SO I WILL JUST WATCH THE BLEEDING **FROM CALI** "

finally someone gets it wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:06 PM:

" Well said Cindy. "

facts speak for themselves wrote on Oct 12, 2008 2:14 PM:

" I would agree with Irishman and his many posting except:
A: The police were found responsble in a recent court case.
B. The Judge HAS been reprimanded.
C. The city attorney has just returned from a suspension by the bar.
D. The tourist decline here began BEFORE the gas went up or the economy went down.
I would also like to know how the editor allowed a personal attack from Irishman on another poster? Or does Irishman have proof that aduh has been in Jail at all or "again"?
It would be really great if the paper did not play favorites with the posters and allow those opinions they agree with but violate the TOS to get through.

-Cindy "

Problem is wrote on Oct 12, 2008 2:00 PM:

" The major companies that build the jet skis used to put a ton of money into this event. I had a friend who raced back then, and he was telling me that the main body had a ton of money from all the companies that build the skis. Now that no one is buying PWCs anymore, they don't put any money into this event. Add in a lame economy, and you see why its slow. "

where have you been wrote on Oct 12, 2008 1:31 PM:

" aduh, are you serious? The people who are not coming are staying away because they can't afford the gas; because paying their bills and putting food on the table has to come before playing at the lake. Whatever the stick you have in you about the law and the judicial system, get over it. "

answer wrote on Oct 12, 2008 12:30 PM:

" mabe finals should be in laughlin where hotels are cheaper and more people to injoy them.these old farts here just have no intrest in nothing but them selfs and there money.so pack up and race at laughlin for more fun fun fun let go racing.but not here like havasu classic get event but gone..? "

Vicki wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:24 AM:

" We made the run up from San Diego to take care of some business along with catching some of the action at the world finals. It was great entertainment but a bit blown out by the weather. Access to the venue was a bit of a walk for most as they had to park outside of the gates of Crazy Horse then walk through the park to the water. It seems to me that years ago this event was on Thompson Bay which provided much better access and a bit more shelter from wind etc. I don't know if it is just the time of year or the economy but none of the hotels looked very full either, too bad as this is a great event. "

Irishman wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:45 AM:

" Unbelievable. 'Aduh AKA need more and many others. Apparently you haven't noticed the state of the economy right now. No matter what the topic of the story is, down sales or the hospital you blame the cops and the judge. You live in Bullhead now, post there you are getting boring here. Haven't seem you posting lately, were you in jail again? "

Prior Vendor Now Spectator wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:05 AM:

" This event has been going downhill for many years, When this was at the Nautical cars backed up for hrs an the end of Sat/Sun events, Years ago at current location 3 times as many bleachers, Hotels overfilled and over charged!, To say that its down a little bit is to say the least. Vendors are way down compared to many years ago. Sat I didnt even see all of the current PWC manufacturers showing products, even some of the largest industry wetsuit vendors arent here!
At noon Sat some PWC magazine booths were not even open? The parking lots not near full, the "1 Grandstand" not full! What does all this tell you.
Money is tight, the local tourist board doesnt do squat, I didnt see ESPN all over. This industry is in a big slump, PWC racing in the USA is way down, The event needs a new exciting location and better leadership from the governing body.
Hats off to Mr Russell for doing his best in these bad times to make this happen "

Citizen wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:47 PM:

" aduh.....you are a clown. Take your unrealistic views and sit on them. "

aduh wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:49 PM:

" Um....duh! Overreaching enforcement. A reprimanded judge. A suspended city attorney. Do any rats see a pattern? No wonder the word is out about Havasu and tourist are not coming. "

LIFEGOESON wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Money is tight for many if gas came down to 2.00 a gal it would be a big help. I'm tired of filling someones pocket with my hard earned money. "

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