BEND, OR -- Two weekends from now, there are several events happening in Central Oregon - like the Bend Oktoberfest.

 

Rod Porsche of the Downtown Bend Business Association, says if the smoky conditions don't improve, he worries people will stay away. "We are monitoring it and no doubt, Labor Day numbers were lower in terms of visitor traffic, and we're so dependent on visitors in Downtown Bend with our restaurants and retail and we certainly hope it's cleared up by a week from Friday."

 

The Bend Oktoberfest is Downtown Bend Business Association's largest fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds goes to beautification efforts like daily sidewalk sweeping and the flower baskets.

 

Porsche says he's concerned, because during Labor Day weekend visitor events, the numbers seemed quite a lot lower. "I suspect that a lot of our visitor traffic was off. i think when the numbers come in through VIsit Bend, we'll see that there was a dip because of the smoke and will be for the foreseeable future."