Bend, Oregon’s Mysterious Prank: The Man Behind the Googly Eyes Speaks Out

Bend, Oregon’s Mysterious Prank: The Man Behind the Googly Eyes Speaks Out

The mystery surrounding a viral prank in Bend, Oregon, has been resolved, capturing the attention of locals and sparking a lively debate. Recently, residents began discovering googly eyes humorously affixed to various sculptures throughout the city.

A Whimsical Surprise Unveiled

The quirky sightings prompted the City of Bend to address the situation directly on social media. In December, city officials expressed their concern, urging whoever was responsible to reconsider their actions.

City Officials Respond

“We love our roundabout art in Bend, so let’s do our part to take care of it. While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to avoid damaging the artwork,” the official statement read.

Meet the Prankster: Jeff Keith

After some investigation, the individual behind the humorous stickers was identified as Jeff Keith. In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), Keith disclosed that he cleverly used duct tape to attach the googly eyes to the city’s sculptures.

A Cause with a Smile

Keith is not only a prankster; he is also the founder of Guardian Group, a local nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking. During his conversation with the AP, he shared his motivation behind the prank.

“I think the biggest thing is just to get a laugh. When I come up on these roundabouts and see families laughing hysterically at these, it makes for a good time,” Keith remarked. He added that the prank serves as a light-hearted escape from some serious issues he faces in his work.

Community Reactions: Mixed but Mostly Amused

The city’s Facebook page saw a flurry of comments from residents weighing in on the prank. One user pondered, “Is this [Bend’s] biggest concern?” while another chimed in with a humorous take: “Adhesive ain’t gonna hurt metal.”

A Catwalk of Clever Humor

The reactions varied, but many found themselves on the pro-googly eye side of the debate. A user joked, “I’m pro-googly eye,” while another appreciated the community’s lighthearted response, saying, “I really love the pro-googly eye stance Bend is taking.”

Despite the humor, some residents raised constructive concerns. One individual stated, “Worry about potholes instead,” pointing out the road maintenance issues that could be more pressing for local authorities.

The Cost of Fun: A Price Tag for Removal

In total, eight sculptures were part of the playful prank, with officials estimating the removal costs at $1,500. However, Keith has pledged to cover any damage incurred from the prank, demonstrating his commitment to local art as well as humor.

A Prank with Heart

Fox News Digital reached out to the City of Bend for a statement, reflecting the community’s ongoing dialogue about the prank. As the city moves forward, the whimsical googly eyes have undoubtedly brought smiles and conversation to Bend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.