Fourth of July Celebrations: These Cities Swap Fireworks for Spectacular Drone Shows

As an alternative to traditional fireworks, some cities across the U.S. are opting for drone shows to celebrate the Fourth of July. This decision is motivated by concerns over the environmental impact of pyrotechnics. Salt Lake City, Boulder, and Lake Tahoe are among the cities embracing this quieter and more environmentally-friendly form of entertainment. Drone shows involve a fleet of drones equipped with LED lights that create patterns, shapes, and animated scenes in the sky. According to Sky Elements, a drone company, these shows offer a customizable and visually stunning experience.

One of the advantages of drone shows over fireworks is their reduced risk. Rick Boss, the president of Sky Elements Drone Shows, stated that these shows have less risk of fire, damage, and injury compared to traditional fireworks. Safety precautions are taken to ensure that no one is within the safety perimeter in case of a malfunction. Over 500 drone shows have been done by Sky Elements without any safety issues.

Cities like Salt Lake City and Boulder have chosen drone shows as a safer and more sustainable alternative to fireworks. Mayor Erin Mendenhall of Salt Lake City emphasized the need to minimize fire danger and air quality concerns caused by fireworks. Utah, in particular, has a high incidence of wildfires, with 800 to 1,000 occurring annually. The switch to drones is part of an effort to mitigate the risk of wildfires and protect the environment.

Colorado also faces an increased threat of wildfires in the future. According to a report by the nonprofit First Street Foundation, nearly 1 million properties in Colorado will have some wildfire risk in the next 30 years. This risk, fueled by climate change, has prompted Boulder officials to announce the switch to drones. They highlight the alignment of the drone shows with their sustainability framework.

While some communities have embraced drone shows, others have reverted to traditional fireworks. Parker, Colorado, and Galveston, Texas, are examples of cities that switched back due to public preference. The distinctive crackle and explosions of fireworks have been missed in these ongoing debates. However, drone companies like Sky Elements recommend accompanying soundtracks to compensate for the absence of booms.