Comstock Wild Horse & Mining Museum Wins Governor's Award for Tourism!

January 2004

We are excited and proud to announce that we have received the Governor’s Award for Tourism Development for our Comstock Wild Horse Museum and Gift Shop in Virginia City, NV. Olivia Fiamengo, our museum director, and her staff of dedicated volunteers have done a “bang-up” job! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Olivia and the gang for making the project a huge success.

The Tourism Award is extremely important to us. Here’s why; this is really the first time that our state officials have formally acknowledged the notion that wild horses can contribute to tourism in Nevada. We have now passed our first great milestone in the attainment of LERF’s most important goal – to convince the world that wild horses can, if properly marketed, be a highly compelling reason for visitors to come here. Because of shrinking habitats, “excess” wild horses must be removed from the range to insure the survival of the rest. It is our goal for these “excess horses” to be able to live in generous sanctuaries while awaiting adoption. In such places, under controlled conditions, they can be experienced by the public in a non-invasive way. This will not only entertain and educate people, but also create revenues to maintain the herd.

When tourist dollars spread to surrounding businesses and services, these animals will be perceived as valuable assets to the community. It is our belief that when he can pay his own way, the wild horse will insure his own survival and that of his brothers and sisters in the wild.

Director Olivia Fiamengo and President Lacy J. Dalton after receiving the Governor's Award for Tourism

The tourism message is the very heart of the mission of the Let ’em Run Foundation and the Governor’s Award acknowledges a huge leap forward towards our goal.

We hope that someday you will all have the opportunity to visit the museum and gift shop and our planned sanctuary near Virginia City. We have interesting things for you to learn and do, and gorgeous arts and crafts by local artisans that you can enjoy and take home to your loved ones.

Thanks again to you all – To the board members of LERF, our Storey County officials, businesses, and friends here in the Comstock Historic District and afar, to all our participating horse groups, our families and especially to Olivia Fiamengo and our wonderful staff of volunteers.

In closing - A big, heartfelt thanks to our membership. Thank you one and all for your continued support. We hope you will all take advantage of our Membership benefits and that you and your friends and families will sign on with us for another great year. We love having you on the team.

Lacy J. Dalton
President