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Commission approves Goosetown Softball Tournament permit with strict camping and insurance conditions
Summary
The county commission approved the Goosetown Softball Tournament permit for July 10–12, 2026, 5–0, imposing conditions: exclude Marty May fields, include Benny Goodman Park, prohibit most camping on county property (overnight camping limited to organizers/umpires in a designated lot), restrict alcohol sales at Charlotte Yeoman Complex, ban vehicles on fields, and require final certificates of insurance.
Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County commissioners voted unanimously June 23 to approve a special‑event permit for the Goosetown Softball Tournament (July 10–12, 2026), imposing specific conditions on sites, camping, alcohol sales, vehicles and insurance.
Commissioner Ed Beaudette moved to approve the permit with exceptions; Commissioner Paul Smith seconded. The motion, recorded in the minutes, passed 5–0.
County Attorney Morgan Smith told the commission that the county commonly approves events “pending certificate of insurance” and that MMIA (the county’s insurer) would likely have final input on whether coverage is sufficient. Morgan Smith read language from the special‑event application and county ordinance, noting that violations of permit terms could prompt immediate termination of the event and possible penalties under Ordinance 63‑A: "Violators of any ADLC Ordinance and/or Resolutions regarding Special Events and use of ADLC public parks will be cause to immediately terminate the event, and the possibility of up to $500.00 fine and six months in jail which is pursuant to Ordinance 63‑A."
The commission’s approved conditions, as recorded, include: exclusion of the Marty May fields; inclusion of Benny Goodman Park; prohibition on alcohol sales from the Charlotte Yeoman Complex concession stand (alcohol may be sold at a location separate from that concession stand); no vehicles on fields except county vehicles on designated roads/parking; and overnight camping limited only to event organizers, merchants and umpires in a designated parking area behind the Parks & Rec maintenance building (behind the pool). No other camping on county property was permitted. The minutes record that the designated parking area is fenced and previously used for vendors and staff.
Commissioners and staff raised enforcement and logistical concerns. CEO Bill Everett and Parks staff member Joe Ungaretti said enforcement will largely fall to the event organizer and county staff, and County Attorney Morgan Smith said she would follow up with MMIA to confirm whether the certificate of insurance and covered party language provide adequate protection.
No public comments opposed or supported the motion during the meeting; Jana Roe, who spoke in favor of mitigation options, said the number of teams and likely campers is smaller this year and that organizers plan security and possible off‑site private camping to reduce drinking‑and‑driving risks.
The motion carried 5–0 and was explicitly conditioned on final approval of required certificates of insurance before the event proceeds.
