Commission approves Goosetown Softball Tournament with camping, alcohol and insurance conditions

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission unanimously approved a special event permit for the Goosetown Softball Tournament, July 10–12, 2026, but attached multiple conditions and required final insurance verification before the county signs the permit.

Commissioner Ed Beaudette moved — and Commissioner Paul Smith seconded — an amended motion that reduced the number of fields to be used (from seven to six by excluding the Marty May fields), designated Benny Goodman Park for play, prohibited camping on any Anaconda-Deer Lodge County property except in a fenced parking area behind the Parks & Rec maintenance building for event organizers, merchants and umpires, banned tent camping and vehicles on fields, and restricted alcohol sales so they not be conducted from the Charlotte Yeoman Complex concession stand. County Attorney Morgan Smith said she would verify certificates of insurance and coordinate with MMIA to confirm coverage sufficiency; she noted special event permits are commonly approved "pending certificate of insurance." County Parks staff estimated the designated fenced area behind the pool could accommodate roughly a dozen campers depending on rig size.

Organizers and stakeholders said lower team counts this year (about 68 teams versus roughly 139 in prior years) and concurrent community events (a folk fest) have reduced motel availability and increased pressure for local camping alternatives. Organizer representatives told commissioners they hire security to manage camping and concessions. The commission emphasized that the organizer would be responsible for enforcement of the permit conditions; the county ordinance referenced by staff allows termination of an event and fines for permit violations. The motion carried 5-0.