PGI fireworks convention in Oshkosh explodes into social media debate over noise, hours
OSHKOSH - The Pyrotechnics Guild International annual convention held last week at the Sunnyview Expo Center ignited more than the latest and greatest fireworks.
It also lit up a fierce debate whether to invite PGI back to Oshkosh after its powerful fireworks startled people and animals, and rattled walls and windows as far away as Neenah, a distance of 6 miles as the crow flies.
Residents who were unaware that the convention was happening went outside to investigate the noise, thinking they might see an approaching thunderstorm. Others blamed the booms on the Northern Lightning military aircraft training exercise, which was occurring at the same time across Wisconsin but ended daily activities by 5 p.m.
Blasts from the PGI fireworks rocked the area until 11 p.m., sometimes later.
The weeklong convention, though, was expected to generate $4 million to $5 million in economic activity, according to the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau. It had an attendance of 2,000 people, and the community fireworks shows on Aug. 13 and 18 drew 4,000 and 7,500 spectators, respectively.
What were the problems with the convention?
The convention included seminars, workshops, training, vendors, socializing and nightly fireworks. It's the last item that shook the greater community. Here's a sampling of Facebook comments.
"I am against this convention because of the ongoing noise that terrifies our pets, disrupts sleep patterns of our children and those who have day jobs. Their permit is until 1 a.m., ALL WEEK. After the noise of fighter jets for a week, we get this."
"Ridiculous to allow this to go on daily so late! Bless our veterans who served and have PTSD."
"If you live in this side of town and have 6 kids who every night come crying to your room because of the noise, you'd be annoyed too. Can't wait (for) it to be done. Shakes our entire house, the (kids') beds included."
"There are sooo many (other ways) to bring revenue to this city than this incredibly unnecessary convention."
"Feel so sorry for all the animals in the vicinity. Indoors and out."
The Oshkosh Area Humane Society even took precautionary measures to reduce stress for animals in its care during the convention.
"We put all of our dogs on extra calming chews for the week — a natural relaxant — because we knew they would be startled and probably upset with the noises," dog team manager Jennifer Ollanketo said. "We turned on music when we weren't here at night, when it was the loudest, to try to buffer some of that noise."
It takes two sides to debate. What were others saying?
On the flip side of the war of words, people dismissed the complaints, attributing them to "whining Karens." They also offered praise for the PGI convention. Here's a sampling.
"This convention brought tons of money to our community. Shut the hell up and relax!!!"
"There’s this really great invention called earplugs. Get a grip. It’s not forever!"
"Cannot wait to see this again! They put on such an amazing show!"
"Our Airbnb was full this week thanks to this. I'm not mad."
"They paid for all the permits, they rented a local venue, people will eat in town, they will rent hotels, people will shop in the community ... the city and state will collect taxes on all the money spent."
The PGI convention last was held in Wisconsin in 2010, when it was staged at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Buchanan.
Sheriff's office sought to redirect complaints
Ahead of the weeklong convention, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office said it was "aware of some mixed feelings" regarding the event and sought to redirect complaints.
"Although the Sheriff's Office is not involved in the permitting for any event at Sunnyview Expo Center, we know the proper permits were obtained to hold the event, which allows fireworks displays to occur nightly through 1 a.m.," it said in a Facebook post.
"We routinely field numerous telephone calls around the Independence Day holiday regarding fireworks and the noise they produce," the post continued. "We expect that there may be people unhappy about the noise that occurs during this event. While any resident should feel free to call us at any time, please know that the proper avenue for complaints regarding this event should be directed to Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel at 920-232-3450."
The Facebook post triggered 581 comments.
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What does Doemel say about the event?
The Post-Crescent sought to interview Doemel for this story, but he was unavailable Monday and Tuesday.
He made a Facebook post as the convention drew to a close, however.
"I have complete empathy to all who have been negatively affected by the PGI convention this week," he said. "I will own my responsibility for going after this convention. For those anxious for this to be over, this is the last day."
Doemel emphasized that events like the PGI convention bring revenue to the community.
"The support for this event has been overwhelming, but that does not discredit the concerns of those who have suffered," Doemel said in the post.
"I am willing to accept the anger directed at me," he continued. "I will stand and listen, that is the job. My staff has been diligent in logging the calls and taking all the input, the good, the bad, and the ugly."
Doemel concluded by thanking PGI and its members for traveling to Oshkosh, patronizing its businesses and filling its hotels.
"For the record, they absolutely loved our community," he said.
Doemel's Facebook post drew 336 comments.
Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.
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This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: PGI fireworks convention in Oshkosh explodes into social media debate
