BEND, Ore. – Bend’s annual Earth Day Fair is returning this Saturday, but with a notable change: the popular Earth Day Parade will not be part of this year’s festivities.
The Environmental Center, which organizes the event, cited increasing logistical and financial challenges, along with a more complex permitting process required by the City of Bend, as the main reasons behind the decision.
“It’s just getting harder and harder to do every year, and it’s more costly,” said Priscilla Calleros, events and outreach manager for the Environmental Center. “There’s also a lengthier process with the City of Bend when it comes to the permit application that’s required to shut down downtown.”
The parade’s cancellation is part of a broader trend affecting event organizers in Bend, particularly non-profits. Stricter city requirements and rising costs for permits have led to difficulties for groups trying to host traditional community events.
Last year, the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) had its request denied to relocate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to a new location at Peace Corner. The DBBA had hoped to close off a single block of Wall Street, between Newport and Oregon avenues, to host the event in front of a prominent tree outside the Bank of America building.
“Unfortunately, that was denied last year due to safety concerns of closing the street down,” said Rachel O’Rourke, executive director of the DBBA.
According to the City of Bend, special event permit fees start at $1,000 and can increase depending on the nature and scope of the event. Applications for established events must be submitted at least 60 days in advance, while new events require a minimum of 90 days’ notice.
“We’re looking at things like safety, community considerations, and impacts to businesses—especially when it comes to things like shutting down a roadway,” said Jacob Larsen, community relations manager for the city.
While the DBBA acknowledges the importance of a thorough process, O’Rourke believes more flexibility should be offered to local non-profits.
“I think it’s good that it’s lengthy,” she said. “But I think there should be special considerations for non-profits, such as the DBBA, such as the Earth Day organizers. I think there’s a bigger potential positive impact for the community when it’s a non-profit versus a for-profit company.”
Despite the absence of the parade, the Earth Day Fair will still take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Troy Field, located at 16 NW Kansas Avenue. The event will feature cultural performances, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities focused on sustainability and environmental education.
