Show sparks mystery in Kitsap County

Associated Press

BREMERTON — Once every spring, the night sky over Kitsap County lights up in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics — 3,800 fireworks launched from a barge somewhere between Manchester and Bainbridge Island.

It’s the county’s biggest fireworks show, bigger even than Silverdale’s Whaling Days and Kingston’s Old Fashioned Fourth Festival.

But this display is surrounded by darkness in ways the others aren’t. County residents don’t know who puts it on, or why.

It used to be that no one even knew when. But last year, the fire department began warning area residents to keep skittish pets inside, giving away the date.

"The reason we let people know is, even though it’s a private display, it’s conducted in the public domain," said Deputy Fire Marshal Scott Riddell. "People like to see it and obviously we want the public and fire and law enforcement authorities to know about it."

This year’s show, at least the fifth, is scheduled for May 4, from 9 to 10 p.m.

"Whoever’s putting it on is putting out big bucks," said Bob Lamb, who lives just up from where the barge anchors. "Those of us who live around the water think it’s wonderful."

Whoever pays for the show does it as part of a private party. Celebrants watch from a boat; the fire department asks others to stay on shore.

Legend has it that the fireworks are put on by wealthy Bainbridge man in honor of his wife’s birthday or their anniversary.

The permit for the event was issued to a Redmond man. The pyrotechnician, who must be licensed by the state, works for Western Display Fireworks in Canby, Ore.

"It’s a private event, and we’re not allowed to give out any information," said a woman who answered the phone at Western Display on Friday.

Mary Fairclough, who owns Lena’s Manchester Inn with her husband, Butch, said whoever puts it on is doing the community a favor.

"God bless his heart, whoever he is," she said. "That really brought a lot of business to us. Boy, I wish I had that kind of money to blow up into the air.

"It’s better than the Seattle fireworks. We sit on our deck and wait for it. It’s a treat."