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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 4, 2005 Bridge Street: The place to be Neighborhood party makes some residents feel as if they are ‘under siege’ By CHRIS CONRAD Mail Tribune ASHLAND — The first thing Shirley Joyce’s neighbors did when she moved to Bridge Street four years ago was tell her to make plans to stay home on the Fourth of July. For years, the annual party on Bridge Street — a fireworks hot spot — has attracted people from all over Ashland, who gather to light off their own fireworks before the city’s public display over Southern Oregon University’s athletic field. Joyce enjoys the popularity bestowed on her normally quiet neighborhood during the party. She and her cat, Luna, watch from the porch as sparklers and spinners illuminate the night. Elaine and Stan Pardee, who have lived on the street since 1963, also welcome the community fireworks show. "We always stay home and keep an eye on what’s going on," Elaine Pardee said. Advertisement Some people aren’t so keen on certain aspects of the party, however. Illegal fireworks, such as bottle rockets and cherry bombs, sometimes find their way to Bridge Street — usually from people who live elsewhere, residents say. John Enders, a six-year resident of Bridge Street, said he once saw someone shoot an 18-inch rocket over a crowd of people. "It’s fun up to a point," Enders said of the party. "Some of us feel like we’re under siege. I always stand on my front lawn with a hose." "Some of (the fireworks) are bigger than they should be," admitted Stan Pardee. But Bridge Street residents say illegal fireworks are not the main problem plaguing them on the Fourth of July. Many find more fault with the noisy packs of intoxicated revelers from outside the neighborhood who stalk the street well after the party has ended. Jim Shames, a 16-year resident of Bridge Street, said rowdy groups of 20 or more have caused problems in the past. He has heard neighbors complain of people walking through yards and tipping over garbage cans. Stan Pardee said that five years ago he saw police officers walk the length of the street arm-in-arm in order to disperse a rambunctious crowd. But Shames and Pardee said things have calmed down considerably in recent years. "It’s been quiet the last couple of years," said Shames, who will host his own party this year. Ashland police Sgt. Bob Smith said he has not been asked by residents to send extra patrols along Bridge Street tonight. In the past, he has handled complaints by residents of vandalism and disorderly conduct. He believes the root of the problem is that people from outside the neighborhood believe the party is " the place to be" in Ashland on Fourth of July night, and not just a block party limited to the residents of Bridge Street and their families and friends. Smith’s goal is to make sure the street is clear by 11 p.m. He doesn’t anticipate any problems, and agrees that the past two years have been relatively peaceful. "We didn’t have too many problems last year," Smith said. Joyce is happy with Ashland’s police efforts to keep drunken outsiders from disturbing the neighborhood. "The police are always really nice, and just tell them to move on their way," she said. Joyce and other Bridge Street homeowners have developed their own tactics in deterring drunken loitering. "We just turn the sprinklers on and they go away," she said. Reach reporting intern Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail Bridge Street: The place to be ">[email protected] . INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SHOWS Ashland: American Band College Fireworks Concert, 8 p.m., Ashland High School Stadium, 201 S. Mountain Ave., followed by fireworks show at 10 p.m. (shot from Southern Oregon University athletic field). Eagle Point: Fireworks begin between 9:30 and 10 p.m. at the Eagle Point High School stadium, 203 N. Platt Ave. Medford: Fireworks start between 9:30 and 10 p.m. at the old Miles Field parking lot off Highway 99 south of Stewart Avenue. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback Free Music Downloads Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers dvd-r helzberg diamonds Distance Education Diamonds Online Poker Auto Insurance Mesothelioma Home Equity Loans Slippers Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Canadian Pharmacy Website Design & Marketing Memory Foam Mattress w2 forms Mortgage Calculator Free Home-Loan Referrals Payday Loans Air Purifiers Advertisement s