Oneida County panel approves large-assembly permits for four summer events; Hodag approval contingent on water testing

Rhinelander, Wis. — The Oneida County Public Safety Committee voted unanimously on April 9 to approve large-assembly permits for four summer events, with one approval carrying a health-related condition.

Tracy Hartman, County Clerk-Administrative Coordinator, told the committee Rondele Ranch’s Red, White and Boom application was complete, included a certificate of insurance and raised no concerns; the committee approved that permit 4-0 (motion by Chairperson Steven Schreier, seconded by Debbie Condado). Hartman reported that Hodag ’50’ Inc. likewise submitted a completed application but that the Health Department required potable water test results be provided before final compliance is confirmed. "All information has been submitted," Hartman said regarding applications, and the committee approved Hodag’s permit contingent on the water testing requirement (motion by Schreier, seconded by Billy Fried, PASSED 4-0).

Nancy Woller, representing the Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally (We Love Ballooning, Inc.), said last year’s inaugural rally went well and that the event layout will be revised; she told the committee attendance was about 10,000 over two days and that roughly 20 campers were on site. The committee approved the balloon-rally permit (motion by Schreier, seconded by Michael Tautges, PASSED 4-0).

The County Clerk reported Bubba’s Big Party (BBP, LLC) presented no county or Town of Nokomis concerns despite organizer Keith Troutman not attending the meeting; the committee approved that application 4-0 (motion by Billy Fried, seconded by Schreier). Members discussed the intersection of large-assembly permits with Planning and Zoning conditional-use reviews and local ordinances governing vendors and temporary retail operations.

Committee members also reviewed risk-management items tied to the permits. Captain Jake Simkins of the Sheriff’s Office summarized how event officials coordinate severe-weather plans with county emergency services and noted the Rhinelander Fire Department coordinates fire planning for events inside Rhinelander city limits. Several members noted the county is listed as an additional insured on event policies; Supervisor Billy Fried asked for confirmation of the insurance coverage amounts and Hartman said she would follow up with organizers to obtain those figures.

Votes at a glance: Red, White and Boom (Rondele Ranch) — approved 4-0; Hodag Country Festival (Hodag ’50’ Inc.) — approved 4-0 contingent on submission of potable water test results; Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally (We Love Ballooning, Inc.) — approved 4-0; Bubba’s Big Party (BBP, LLC) — approved 4-0.

Why it matters: These events draw thousands of visitors and have implications for public health, traffic and emergency planning as well as county liability exposure. The committee’s contingency on Hodag’s water testing reflects the Health Department’s role in protecting attendees.

The committee set its next meeting for May 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and added discussion of public-safety department presence at meetings to a future agenda.