Cities replace fireworks with drone shows at Fourth of July celebrations

Fourth of July light shows will include noticeably less bang this year as American cities scrap fireworks in favor of fluttering drones because of worries about safety and climate change.

Among those switching to flying machines with blinking lights instead of the traditional rockets’ red glare are Boulder, Colorado, San Diego and Salt Lake City.

Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, held an annual “Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast” fireworks show since 1941 until COVID-19 restrictions disrupted the display.

The city’s fireworks show was named for a 500-plus-pound live buffalo mascot called Ralphie who charges onto the school’s football field before games. Boulder said it switched to drones this year because of safety concerns.

“The shift from traditional fireworks to drones was not an easy decision and based on a number of factors, including increased fire danger fueled by climate change,” city officials announced on Boulder’s website. “While the show is going to be a bit different, it promises to be a fantastic show that aligns with our Sustainability, Equity and Resilience Framework.”

Fireworks carry the risk of physical harm. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said more than 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries from fireworks last year and 11 died. The commission’s annual fireworks report said most injuries were caused by firecrackers and sparklers, not rockets that dominate professional municipal displays.

Still, cities have been burned by pyrotechnics. San Diego set off all its fireworks at once during Independence Day celebrations in 2012. Video of the show spread online, and millions of people have since watched the glorious display of freedom.

The San Diego Big Bay Boom continues this year with fireworks, but San Diego’s La Jolla and Ocean Beach neighborhoods are replacing fireworks displays with drones.

The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club’s website said its show will feature 100 drones flying about 350 feet above the shoreline starting at 8:45 p.m.

“Those who attend the free event can anticipate a stunning 15-minute performance showcasing a symphony of lights and color, expertly choreographed to simulate the awe of actual fireworks, as well as an array of patriotic imagery,” the club’s website said.

A website for Ocean Beach’s inaugural Fourth of July drone display directs people to look for a single drone over Ocean Beach Elementary School near 9 p.m. and then a quieter, pet-friendly show of some 300 drones.

The Ocean Beach drone show organizers’ website said it opted to trash fireworks because of structural damage to its pier, growing pressure over environmental issues and “concern for the welfare of pets and those who suffered from PTSD.”

Other concerns driving the change to drones include fears of worsening air quality, which many Americans have experienced from Canadian wildfires. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said last week that her city’s switch to drones was a response to concerns about air quality and wildfires in the summer heat.

Drone shows are likely here to stay as alternatives to fireworks. Major professional sports franchises are switching to drone shows as added summer attractions.

Last week, the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks welcomed the team’s newest players with a drone show and the MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies greeted fans with a drone show. The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to hold a drone show Friday after a game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Drone shows are not for everyone and are expensive.

A small drone show costs as much as $20,000. Larger shows carry price tags of several hundred thousand dollars, according to Flying magazine. The aviation-focused publication said a fireworks display often costs less than $7,000 and drone shows often require Federal Aviation Administration exemptions.

Some people, however, have concluded that Independence Day is not as star-spangled awesome if America fails to blow up pyrotechnics.

Southern California’s Imperial Beach held a drone show last Fourth of July after a fireworks company canceled its plans one week before the holiday, according to NBC San Diego. The City of Imperial Beach’s website said traditional fireworks will return to its Independence Day festivities on Tuesday night.