Bend Pet Parade, Deschutes County Fair canceled due to COVID-19
Both have been a steady, fun summer event for decades - one for a century
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two of the longest-running, most memorable constants of a Central Oregon summer -- the Bend Pet Parade and the Deschutes County Fair -- were canceled Wednesday due to the governor's directives against holding large summer events to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Bend Park and Recreation District announced it canceled the July 4th Pet Parade and Old-Fashioned Festival in Drake Park. The decision follows Governor Brown’s mandate that large gatherings such as festivals, fairs and events be canceled through at least September.
“The Pet Parade and Old-Fashioned Festival are cherished events in our community and this is a difficult announcement to make,” said Matt Mercer, recreation services director for Bend Park and Rec. “But the health and safety of the community and our staff is our top priority.”
The Pet Parade is an Oregon Heritage Event dating back to 1932. The only other year the parade did not take place was 1943, during World War II.
Park district staff said it is planning alternate ways to honor the event’s traditions including virtual activities.
“While we can’t all gather together, we have some great ideas in the works that will continue the spirit of the events," Mercer said. "We hope the community will join us in new ways to celebrate our nation’s independence.”
Updates and information will be available soon on the Bend Park and Recreation District website and social media channels.
Other large events that take place as rentals in Bend parks and facilities will also be canceled if they cannot meet the state requirements, the park district added.
On Wednesday afternoon, Deschutes County commissioners unanimously accepted, after much discussion, the joint recommendation of the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Board and the Deschutes County Fair Association to cancel the fair and consider alternatives for 4-H competitions, perhaps virtually online.
This would have been the 101st county fair. Officials said they concerned trying to modify and retain the event, but said they didn't want to dilute such a great event.
The Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center expects it might be one of the last businesses to be able to reopen under the governor's three-phase guidelines. Officials have drafted a health and sanitation plan for initial review, to reopen if and when possible.
