If you have plans to drive through Thomasville, you may want to adjust those plans. The Rainbow Gathering group is coming. The group, known as Rainbow Family of Living Light, has chosen a section of Mark Twain National Forest in Oregon County for its annual gathering. The site is located about six miles northeast of Thomasville along County Road 430/Banner Road.
Dates
Their reunion will take place between July 1 and 7, 2025. However, many people are showing up a week early.
Number
As of Monday, approximately 140 people have arrived. With next weekend being a three-day weekend, they are expecting between 2,000 and 5,000 people to attend the campout between now and the July 4th holiday weekend.
Where?
They camp along CR 430, which is north of Thomasville off Highway 99.
Authorities
The U.S. Forest Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has assembled a National Incident Management Team to monitor the situation. Hilary Markin, Public Information Officer for the management team, is in charge. She remarked,
The gathering is illegal because no one from Rainbow Family of Living Light has applied for a permit [1].
She continued,
Any groups going to the national forests that are over 75 individuals are required to get a special use permit [2].
What Is The Rainbow Family?
The Rainbow Family of Light describes itself as a non-violent group that promotes peace, love, and environmental stewardship. However, no one is taking responsibility for acquiring the proper permits for this event. Markin states that the National Incident Management Team is prepared for whatever may happen.
What Should Residents Expect?
Past gatherings have included public nudity, so anyone not affiliated with the group may want to take note of this. Additionally, heavy traffic is expected on local roads in Oregon County at and near the gathering. This is Highway 99, routes to Birch Tree, Mountain View, and Alton.
Jake Parker, northern commissioner for Oregon County, said,
Travelers may experience **delays** and should remain alert for increased **foot traffic** along the roadway [3].
He also mentioned that parking on teh side is strictly forbidden.
Notes:
- ^Hurtt, J. (2025). Rainbow Gathering Converges on Oregon County – Ozark Radio News. (go back ↩)
- ^Hurtt, J. (2025). Rainbow Gathering Converges on Oregon County – Ozark Radio News. Ozark Radio News. (go back ↩)
- ^Jake Parker (go back ↩)
