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Commissioners approve Rock the Plains permit with insurance and agreement conditions
Summary
Commissioners approved a special event permit for Rock the Plains (Aug. 7–8, 2026) conditioned on liability insurance naming Wabaunsee County as additionally insured, a deposit by May 1, and copies of EMS/Fire/Security agreements; organizers described heat‑related issues in 2025 and planned mitigations.
Organizers of the Rock the Plains festival described heat‑related issues at the 2025 event, including large numbers of attendees and heavy use of first‑aid tents that strained medical volunteers. Brandyn Steen, co‑founder of Rock the Plains, said the organizers "would be contracting with a vendor for water to be provided onsite" and plan to add mist sprayers and a later start time (gates open at 5:00 p.m.) to reduce heat exposure. Organizers also reported working on shuttle arrangements and encouraging ride‑share to minimize traffic on gravel roads.
Commissioner Jim W. MacGregor moved to approve the special event permit for Aug. 7–8, 2026, conditioned on the liability insurance policy listing Wabaunsee County and related entities as additionally insured, submission of a deposit by May 1, and copies of all EMS, fire and security agreements; Commissioner Nancy Hier seconded and the motion carried 3–0. The commission also directed coordination with KDOT and the Kansas Highway Patrol for added signage and patrols near Interstate 70.
