Without much debate or dissent Montague County commissioners  approved a mass gathering permit this morning for the upcoming Rednecks With Paychecks event  being held outside of Saint Jo (between Nocona and Muenster).

Health and safety codes in the county now require a permit for any events attracting 2500 or more people.

In the past, up to 100,000 people have attended the four day event which will be held September 29th through October 2nd. The fire marshal recommended several changes to increase  safety at the off-road mudding event, which has seen three fatalities in the last two years.

There have also be scores of arrests for DWI,  disordely conduct, assaults and other charges. Thsi year the event  organizer has made the park off limits to anyone under 18 years of age.

Other changes  or requirements will be a fence around the stage, minimum 20- foot-wide roadways and fire extinguishers at all food vending sites.

The organizer says all requirments will be in place by opening day.