Surprise fireworks bring joy to some, terror to others in Bend

By Emily Cureton Cook (OPB)
Nov. 17, 2020 8:16 p.m. Updated: Nov. 18, 2020 1:41 a.m.

Explosions in the sky came without warning Monday night.

Many people in Bend got a loud surprise Monday night when an unannounced fireworks show lit up the Old Mill District.

It was no amateur spectacle. The explosions compared with Bend’s Fourth of July program, an annual display that costs more than $30,000, according to local news reports.

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Monday’s surprise fireworks were courtesy of an anonymous donor, according to Les Schwab Amphitheatre general manager Marney Smith.

“They wanted to bring a little happiness and cheer to an otherwise very difficult year for most, and to remind folks with the means to do so to support our local nonprofit organizations,” Smith said in an email, adding: “It was not advertised in advance to keep it Covid safe and was approved in advance by [the police department] and fire.”

A firework explodes over the Deschutes River in Bend on Nov. 16, 2020.

A firework explodes over the Deschutes River in Bend on Nov. 16, 2020.

Emily Cureton Cook

Office of State Fire Marshal records show a permit for a fireworks display was issued to Watson Companies, the corporate headquarters for a real estate investment enterprise.

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“One of our more recognized companies is Hayden Homes,” according to the firm’s website.

In one neighborhood near the fireworks, a round of cheers followed the finale, while children screamed with delight. But, not everyone was charmed. Some people were frightened, then angry. Social media commenters railed on the organizers for not giving warning, especially out of consideration for people who have difficulty with loud noises, such as veterans coping with post traumatic stress disorder. Pets can also have negative reactions to fireworks.

“My family was terrified by this!!!,” reads one of more than 600 comments on the Old Mill District’s social media announcement, which went up shortly before the explosions filled the sky.

“We live in [northeast] Bend and couldn’t see it,” continues the comment by Bridget Branson Albert. “We just heard explosions! I am all for supporting nonprofits, but this caused fear to so many people and animals. If only we had known in advance.”

“Imagine how many tents and sleeping bags coulda been bought for our houseless community that has been freezing to death,” wrote local social justice activist Luke Richter.

Others, like Samantha Schey, called the fireworks well-intentioned, but inconsiderate: “It’s not uplifting to those who have PTSD and are now absolutely traumatized. It’s a lovely gesture but was grossly mishandled. There should have been much more notice."

There is no local or state requirement for public notification of fireworks, according to Bend Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Trish Connolly.

“Over the last 15 years no public notice was sent out for fireworks shows at Vince Genna, Summit High School Homecoming, Winterfest and weddings that I am aware of,” Connolly said in an email, adding: “In this case, it seems the intent of the Old Mill Shops was to be mindful of the risk of COVID-19 where events such as this would draw a large crowd and potentially cause spread of the disease. Bend Fire & Rescue is always open to feedback and input to improve the process and be considerate of events that impact the well-being and quality of life of the community we serve.”

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