Dayton Apologizes for Surprise Fireworks Display During NATO Event

Dayton, Ohio – The city of Dayton issued an apology following an unannounced fireworks display that startled residents on Thursday night. The show, part of a privately funded celebration for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, began at approximately 9:15 p.m. and lasted around 20 minutes.

Residents from various neighborhoods heard loud explosions that raised concerns and drew mixed reactions on social media. Many were caught off guard, questioning the source of the noise. Just before the fireworks started, the city did send a notification on social media about the upcoming display, but it was unclear to some residents.

“Expect increased noise and bright lights in the area during the display,” the city’s post stated, thanking residents for their understanding. However, this notice did not reach everyone in time.

Lexi Heironimus, 30, who lives in a downtown apartment, was one of the few residents who received prior information about the fireworks. “I wasn’t surprised because I saw a post online, but I didn’t know the exact time,” she said. Although her two small dogs were unfazed, she noted that friends in Oakwood were disturbed by the unexpected noise.

Another resident, Ann Morrison, 64, initially thought the sounds were from a thunderstorm. Her Cocker Spaniel, Brody, reacted negatively to the booms, unlike his usual calm demeanor during storms. “I wish I would have known about the fireworks; I might have tried to watch,” she said.

Crystal-Dawn McKanna, who lives nearby, shared her experience of hearing the sounds. “With NATO being in town and daily protests, I thought it was an attack,” she said. Despite her initial fear, she enjoyed the show after realizing what it was. However, she also felt better notice should have been given beforehand.

Other residents expressed their concerns online, noting that the unexpected fireworks scared their pets and children. Some feared the booms indicated a serious situation related to the NATO event. The city of Dayton hopes to improve communication in the future to avoid similar situations.