Residents react to Bend’s Fourth fireworks in jeopardy
(Updated: Public reaction)
Bend’s Fourth of July fireworks show is at risk of not happening.
The Pilot Butte fireworks show has been running for nearly 30 years, and at least 25 of those shows have been sponsored by The Bulletin. But the region’s largest newspaper is unlikely to continue its sponsorship this year.
Sources say that is because of the high cost and the inability to find overnight security to watch the fireworks before the big show.
The show costs about $29,000. According to Homeland Fireworks, the business responsible for the show, a typical fireworks show with music costs about $1,000 a minute.
The potential cancellation is disappointing for many Bend residents, including Bill and Gail Edwards, who moved to Bend from Virginia last year.
“Fourth of July is about fireworks,” Bill Edwards said. “The celebration, the pomp and circumstances that lead up to the evening fireworks display and especially from the iconic hill that this is — that’s a big deal to all of us who are very patriotic.”.
“What’s Fourth of July without fireworks and picnics and people and gatherings that culminate the day of celebration?” said Gail Edwards.
COCC students Axel Heekin and Simon Brown offered similar feelings.
“I’d be pretty bummed,” Heekin said. “I really like the fireworks for the holidays. It’s really festive and it’s usually like one of the biggest things everyone looks forward to. Everyone goes outside and looks to them, so I’d be pretty bummed if they didn’t happen this year.”
Brown added, “I mean basically, it’s just a time for people to come together. I think fireworks are a big part of Fourth of July; it brings a lot of community together. I know in Portland it’s a huge thing. It’s something people look forward to all year, so I think it’s kind of surprising they would be taken down.”
The Bulletin is looking to fill its sponsorship position by the end of this week. NewsChannel 21 received word that one Bend business may be interested in helping out, but no decision has been made yet.
NewsChannel 21 also got an email from a person interested in helping with overnight security.
But Homeland Fireworks said it usually gives groups until June 1 to make the down payment.
Our new KTVZ.COM Poll asks how you think the Fourth of July fireworks in Bend should be funded – or if you think it’s even needed. It’s halfway down the right side of our home page.
