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Presidio County Officials To Hold Oct. 2 Meeting On Mass Gathering Permit Process

By Marfa Public Radio

Presidio County Commissioners Court will hold a public meeting next month dedicated to gathering input from residents about the county's permitting procedures for mass gatherings and outdoor festivals.

No action will be taken at the Oct. 2 meeting, but residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback as the county works on developing the application materials.

County officials are also asking those who have specific concerns to bring a written copy to leave with the commission.

County officials first began discussing the need for a mass gathering application earlier this year, when Austin-based C3 Presents proposed a festival of 5 to 6 thousand people on a ranch outside of Marfa.

The applications for mass gatherings and outdoor festivals will ultimately be different. As defined by the state Health and Safety Code, a mass gathering is defined as an event that will attract more than 2,500 people, or more than 500 people if 51% or more of those in attendance may be under 21 years old and alcoholic drinks are expected to be consumed.

Additionally, outdoor music festivals are defined as live music events with more than 5,000 people in attendance, that take place on two or more consecutive days outside the bounds of a permanent structure.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Shorthorn Cafeteria at the Marfa Independent School District. The meeting's expected to last between 2 and 3 hours.