Rowan County approves one-time permit for bull-riding event at Oak Mountain with condition of three deputies after prior 2024 shooting

Rowan County commissioners approved a permit to exceed (PEO-125) for a bull-riding and live-music event at 585 Oak Mountain Road on May 25, from 3 to 9 p.m., subject to a condition that three Rowan County deputies be on site for security.

Aaron from the Planning Department summarized the application and the permit criteria, saying the applicant had submitted a site plan showing parking, vendors, a stage and a bull-riding arena and that 150 attendees were expected. Aaron told commissioners the property had hosted similar events previously; he said the last permit issued for the site was in 2023 and that, on Sept. 8, 2024, there had been a shooting at an event held without a permit.

The applicant, identified in county records as Francisco Castro, told the board the May 25 event is a family-focused fundraiser for a relative recovering from major surgery. Castro said the organizers will require attendees to park and enter on foot so staff and deputies can screen for weapons, and that they had arranged to hire deputies for on-site security. "We're gonna be a little more stricter on having security and staffing," Castro said, adding the event is intended to benefit family members rather than be a large commercial gathering.

Sheriff's office staff supported granting the permit with deputies present, saying the presence of on-site deputies improves the sheriff's ability to respond to complaints and monitor compliance with permitted hours. The sheriff's representative noted if the event were denied, the organizers would still be subject to the noise ordinance and deputies would respond to complaints, but that permitting with deputies is preferable.

After public comment and discussion the board moved and seconded approval of PEO-125 with the condition that three deputies be present during the event; commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.

Ending

The permit allows the one-time event on May 25 with the specified security requirement; staff noted denial would have left the organizers solely subject to the county noise ordinance but that the permit provides a monitoring arrangement to reduce adverse impacts on adjoining properties.