Organizer gets county approval for 'Rock the Rind' on courthouse lawn

Conner Barnette appeared before the Jackson County Board of Commissioners on July 7, 2026, to request exclusive use of the Courthouse lawn for the Rock the Rind festival, scheduled for August 6–8, 2026. Barnette outlined plans for street closures (approval already obtained from the Town of Brownstown), event access, ticketing locations, security arrangements, and said the organizers will provide the required liability insurance.

Barnette also asked permission to temporarily remove and later reinstall a section of decorative fencing on the south side of the Courthouse lawn to improve pedestrian flow and emergency egress; Madison Ironworks would perform the work at the organizers' expense. Commissioner Drew Storey moved to approve exclusive use of the lawn and the temporary removal and replacement of the fencing; Commissioner Andrew Stauffer seconded the motion, which carried 3-0. The Commissioners' approval includes the fencing work being paid for by the event organizers.