‘Blast the Virus!’: La Pine July 4th fireworks display will go on
(Update: Adding video, comments from organizer)
LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Wednesday would have been the first day of La Pine’s annual four-day Frontier Days celebration.
The La Pine Frontier Days Association cancelled this year’s event due to COVID-19, but not entirely.
Organizers said the fireworks display on July 4th will go on, to give the community a “boost” during the pandemic.
Ann Gawith, the president of the La Pine Frontier Days Association, told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday the slogan for the fireworks display is “Blast the Virus!”
“We’re blasting the virus, baby! That’s right,” she said with a laugh.
Gawith said the company Western Display, whom they have contracted with for past shows, will be putting on the fireworks show again this year.
She said it's expected to be bigger than ever.
“We’re spending a little more than we usually do, but our budget is limited,” Gawith said.
The fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday from the meadow between 3rd and 6th streets, west of Highway 97.
Gawith said people are welcome to bring their own fireworks, as long as they clean up after themselves.
“Over the years, we have seen the mess that’s left alongside the roadways, and so we are asking you please not to do that this year,” Gawith said.
The association will place metal barrels around the area for people to dispose of their own fireworks.
Gawith said people are responsible for following the CDC health and safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
However, not everyone will be watching the fireworks display in person.
“We’re trying to stay home as much as we can, so we probably won’t be out and about,” said Pamela Perrine, a La Pine resident.
She said she understands people who want to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but she is also concerned about fire safety.
“Personally, I worry about fireworks starting fires, and this is a high fire season,” she said. “So, personally, I wish we didn’t have fireworks. That scares me, with wildfires.”
Both Gawith and Perrine said they just want people to stay safe during an event that is meant to bring the community joy during a time when so many holiday traditions have been canceled.
