Board approves Gamblers Run Music Festival permit at Crystal Bay with safety and waste conditions
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Summary
Washoe County's Board approved an administrative permit allowing the Gamblers Run Music Festival at Crystal Bay Casino in July (WADMIN26-0002), anticipating about 950 attendees per day and requiring security, EMS coordination, waste management and a 10 p.m. outdoor music curfew.
The Washoe County Board of Adjustment on April 2 approved an administrative permit for the Gamblers Run Music Festival at Crystal Bay Casino, clearing the event's outdoor activities with conditions addressing safety, traffic and waste management.
Planner Julie Olander described the application as an administrative permit for an outdoor community event at Crystal Bay Casino on Route 28 in July, with outdoor activities planned from noon to 10 p.m. each day and live music beginning at 2 p.m. Olander said approximately 950 people are anticipated on any single day of the three-day event and that the county reviewed the outdoor portion of the festival for permitting; indoor casino activities remain under the casino's authority.
Olander outlined site operations including a temporary stage, two festival dispatch centers for communications among event staff and outside agencies, designated parking for Washoe County Sheriff and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, five security teams on foot patrol, and emergency medical service coverage. She said water stations, portable restrooms and handwashing facilities would be provided, and the health district required extra waste pickups if needed. Olander noted that 48 parcels were noticed and staff received no emails or phone calls raising concerns; staff recommended approval with conditions.
Eric Rowe, representing Crystal Bay, said the venue has produced large events for years and that most permit conditions had already been addressed, including building permits and fire checks. Andy Chapman, president and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada speaking by Zoom, urged the board to approve the permit, praising the festival's sustainability measures (single-use plastics reduction and two-stream trash initiatives) and economic benefits to the region.
A board member moved to approve administrative case WADMIN260002 for Crystal Bay Casino with conditions in Exhibit A; another member seconded and the motion carried. No in‑chamber public opposition was recorded. The permit allows the festival to proceed under the stated conditions; the county will finalize permit documentation and the public retains appeal rights per county code.
