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Lebel's Old West Auction quits Cody

By Richard Reeder

This document was published online on Monday, August 18, 2008

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For 19 years the Cody Old West Show and Auction attracted a big crowd of Western collectible vendors and collectors to Cody every June.

But when the show opens for its 20th version next year, the vendors and collectors will be in Denver at the Merchandise Mart north of the city.

“I'm moving the show to Denver,” owner Brian Lebel said. “There's many reasons, mostly economic, for the move.

“Most of my vendors don't believe it's economically sound to stay here,” he added. “And, sadly, after 19 years I don't think I have local support in some areas.”

Lebel said times in Cody have changed and he believes he needs to move on. With hundreds of people coming to Cody for the show, it's been something of a traditional opening of the summer season.

“There have been about 10 entities that helped me make this a success, especially many local business people,” he said. “But there's another faction that just thinks I make too much money and that couldn't be further from the truth.

“I spent $60,000 on advertising last year and still lost money,” he added. “There didn't seem to be an example of anyone wanting to help me stay.”

Lebel said he felt local tourist and economic development leaders were not worried about his leaving.

“I didn't sign the letter to go until about a week ago,” he said. “No one from the chamber or Park County Travel Council have asked what they need to do to help me stay.

“I have many dealers who don't want to come back to Cody,” he added. “They mainly complain about air travel in and out of town and how difficult it is.”

Lebel said high gas prices have contributed to many collectors not making the trip to Cody.

“I love the Riley Arena and they've treated me extremely well,” he added. “But I don't know enough about the possibility of an events center in Cody to make a decision based on that. It's too far in the future to affect this decision.”

Lebel said he'll miss Cody.

“I've been putting this off for three years,” he said. “I spent many sleepless nights because I have an emotional attachment to the town.

“But this is a sound business decision that had to be made,” he added. “As tough as it is, you have to remove your emotions and do what's right for your business.”

PCTC marketing director Claudia Wade said they were doing all they could for Lebel.

“We market all events we believe attract people to Cody and this event certainly did that,” she said. “We promoted him through our calendar and included him in our ads and travel guide.”

But Wade said the PCTC couldn't provide direct financial support to Lebel.

“We certainly have funds available to help events, but that money is for non-profit groups, and he isn't one of those,” she said. “We weren't able to give him any money and it was his decision to leave and there isn't much else we can do to prevent that.”

Wade said the show's move is a loss for Cody.

“I'm sad to see it go because it certainly helped brand Cody as a Western hub,” she said. “We hate to lose him and wish him luck in Denver.”

Forward Cody CEO James Klessens was unaware of Lebel's plans.

“He hasn't approached us and asked if there was anything we could do to help him,” Klessens said. “We encourage anyone with concerns or issues to call us and see if we can help.

“We aren't just about attracting new businesses, but helping exisiting ones too,” he added.

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