BAY MINETTE — The inaugural North Baldwin Sheriff's Search and Rescue (NBSSAR) Rodeo fundraiser was a success, especially for those in attendance, NBSSAR Chief James Phillips said.

"I've heard nothing but good things from those who attended," he said. "Overall I think it was a huge success."

Phillips said so many participants had signed up that in addition to the two main rodeo performances, the organization had to split events up into four shows - the two regularly scheduled performances as well as two slacks.

Slacks are rodeo performances added to the event to accommodate the overflow of participants.

"A typical rodeo lasts two and a half hours. Whatever you can't fit into that two and a half hours goes into the slack," he said.

As for attendance, he said the number of guests was just right.

"We had just the right amount of people for that facility. If we'd had any more they would have been inconvenienced," he said. "And on the other side where we had the portable bleachers, it was dark."

Phillips said he had received some constructive criticism on things that could be improved for next year, and he said there will definitely be a next year.

"We welcome those suggestions. We have already begun planning for next year," he said. "In a couple of weeks here we're going to have a roundtable with the Chamber, the City and us and discuss what we can do differently next year," he said.

He said the NBSSAR plans to help with some improvements at the arena including issues with seating and parking.

"We're looking at doing some things, in manpower and monetary assistance," he said.

Phillips said in addition to the upcoming roundtable, he wants to have three more before the next event so that everyone that should be included will be.

"Next year will be bigger and better," he said.

The money raised from such events is used to maintain equipment and the facility on Airport Road.

"We have eight boats that have to be maintained, and in our command center we have state-of-the-art computers and software that needs constant updating and maintenance," he said.

For more information on NBSSAR and how to help or get involved, visit the Web site at www.nbssar.org.

The organization is a volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that assists local law enforcement with research and recovery operations, among a myriad of other duties.