Fireworks at Bingen Point Canceled

Fireworks At The Port Canceled

Bingen, Washington – Since 2004, the Port of Klickitat has hosted a do-it-yourself fireworks event at Bingen Point the evening of July 4 with assistance from the cities of Bingen and White Salmon, the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, Fire District 13, and others. Quickly becoming an annual tradition and popular with locals and visitors alike, the fireworks event has drawn crowds from around the area.

However, 2020 will mark the first time in fifteen years the Port has canceled the event—a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Crowds of over 50 people are not permitted until Klickitat County has reached a point where it can reopen under Phase 4,” explained Marc Thornsbury, the Port’s Executive Director. “It is our understanding the County is in Phase 2 and could not enter Phase 4 until July 6, even under perfect conditions.”

A jump in new cases that appears to be the result of activities occurring on another holiday, Memorial Day, has also given the Port Commission reason to be cautious. “The County has been doing well in limiting the spread of the virus, but we don’t want to become complacent and end up going backward,” said Port Commissioner Wayne Vinyard. “In addition, we have to consider the well-being of our partners, first responders, and volunteers.”

“With everything else people have been asked to forego this year, we waited to make the decision to cancel the event until it was clear there was no viable alternative,” added Thornsbury. “We recognize this decision will be a disappointment to many, but it does not signal the end of the event and we look forward to playing host again in 2021.” As a reminder, the Port prohibits the use of fireworks anywhere on its properties and violations may result in removal from Port property.