A friend and I are looking into putting on some races in our area since there is a lack there of. One of our biggest obstacles is help. We will need 7-8 people for various things - announcing, office help, gate, barrel setters ect. Is it common to hire help? And if so, what should you pay? Would a free entry into the race be enough incentive to help? We were thinking of hiring a local 4H club, but we aren't sure what to pay or "donate". Any experience, tips or suggestions are appreciated! 

Around N TX I see producers usually offering $10 per hour. If there are no other incentives....as in racers working for to be eligible for qualifying for year end awards. 

I've seen it work with a lot less than 8 people - paying everyone can get expensive - a setter at every barrel - entry fees have to get higher/payout percent lower  :(    

Sidenote --  I've seen a one man show before - he'd announce, then go walk out to the tractor and drag, walk back to the booth and pic the mic back up. Then do the payout at the end.  His wife would help sometimes.  He said he made his money on exhibitions - I'm sure it was a lot easier on him, too, only dragging after every 20/25 :)           

Blessed wishes for your races!    

At our races we will sometimes pay or offer a tab at the concession. Both work, we also have a really good group of racers that set barrels for free. Most of our races we don't have a closed gate if someone wants one someone steps up and works it. We are extremely blessed with a great group of racers that normally just step up and set barrels, but sometimes we do have to pay.