Potter County officials are taking extra precautions ahead of the upcoming Canadian River Sand Drags, emphasizing public health and safety as the event gains traction on social media.
The annual event, which draws over 10,000 attendees, has raised concerns about proper regulation and safety enforcement. With increased online promotion, officials worry that crowd sizes could swell beyond manageable levels.
Potter County Attorney Scott Brumley highlighted the legal requirements for large gatherings under the Texas Mass Gatherings Act, which mandates permits for events expecting over 2,500 attendees. These permits must be obtained at least 45 days in advance and ensure proper sanitation, medical services, and security.
“If the sheriff and his deputies and the DPS guys, park service, game wardens—all are able to hone in on the people who are truly responsible for this, and they bring us a case on it, we’re sure going to prosecute it,” Brumley stated.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines up to $1,000 and jail time of up to 90 days.
Sheriff Brian Thomas stressed that while the event is a popular attraction, safety must come first. “We don’t want anybody getting hurt. We don’t want anybody getting cited or arrested, and so if we can get the word out and people can make smarter choices, hopefully, we can keep that to a minimum,” he said.
To ensure safety, multiple agencies—including the Potter County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS, National Park Service, game wardens, and emergency management teams—will be present at the event.
