ATHENS, TX (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Athens police have launched an
investigation in the wake of an event called "The Redneck Games" which was
held at a ATV park north of the town.

Organized by park owners, the games featured an eclectic mix of "redneck"
themed games such as "The Mudpit Belly Buster" wherein contestants belly
flop into a mud pit and Spam Eating Contest along with musical performances
and other attractions.

The event drew a strong turnout. According to the Cedar Creek Pilot,
organizers were expecting approximately 2,500 patrons to the event with
nearly 8,000 actually attending the three day event.

Local police were less than thrilled however and, according to the
Athens Review, a formal criminal investigation has been launched into
numerous complaints, including several drug citations, and if proper
security was provided for the number of patrons allowed into the event.

"The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission actually worked the event and we
provided security," Chief Deputy Tony Allison of the Henderson County police
told the Athens Review. "The security that the promoters put together
was totally inadequate for that number of people. The medical care for that
kind of event was totally inadequate. There were a lot of issues that
created a major public safety situation as far as we're concerned."

Allison added that authorities had counted enough attendees to be in
violation of the Mass Gathering Act. "The act requires the promoters of any
event drawing more than 2,500 people in an unincorporated area to get with
the county judge, the fire marshal and the sheriff 45 days prior to the
event so authorities can view their plan for public safety, traffic control
and sanitation and health. We feel very comfortable in telling you there was
a minimum or 6,000 people out there, but realistically closer to 7,500 to
8,000."

Other problems involved traffic congestion, illegal dumping and public
nudity. A local pastor, Eric Graham took issue with the wanton displays of
bare human flesh that reportedly took place at the event. "I know a lot of
public drunkenness (went on) … my problem with public drunkenness is I can
keep my kids at arms length and know they are not going to drink any
alcohol. But my main issue is nudity, because all they have to do is see it
and it is burned in the negative of their brain." Graham told the Athens
Review – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers

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