Arizona Rodeo Snuffs Out Pair Of Tobacco Advertisers

A rodeo has thrown out two longtime tobacco sponsors and will ask a state taxpayer-funded anti-smoking campaign to make up the money lost by the move.

Ann Marie Young of the Scottsdale, Ariz., Jaycees said the organization told the United States Tobacco Co. about two weeks ago that its Skoal and Copenhagen products are no longer welcome at the Parada del Sol celebration, a annual combined parade and rodeo next scheduled for Jan. 30-Feb. 2.

Calls to a representative of United States Tobacco’s event promotions department were not returned Friday.

“We’re very concerned about children in Scottsdale and making sure they grow up to be healthy,” Young said. “This year, (Skoal and Copenhagen) will not be displaying any signage or passing out any product.”

In past years, United States Tobacco has provided free samples of its products to adults during the event.

Young said the company’s direct contribution as a sponsor was less than $10,000.

To make up that loss, Young said she has asked the Arizona Department of Health Services to be a sponsor and to contribute $10,000. DHS sponsors the Arizona Tobacco Education and Prevention program that’s funded by a voter-approved special tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

She may get it.

“The consensus is this is something we’re interested in sponsoring,” said Joel Meister of DHS. “This is the first time I’ve heard of a change like this, but rodeos are well known for their tobacco sponsorship and this would be a welcome departure.”