Could Drone Shows Be the Future of Fourth of July Celebrations?

 More cities across Southern California are opting for drone shows instead of fireworks for their Fourth of July celebrations to mitigate the harmful environmental effects caused by traditional pyrotechnics. In Laguna Beach this year, officials decided to replace their usual fireworks display at Heisler Park with a display of hundreds of drones, marking a departure from a tradition dating back to the 1980s.

Families gather to watch a fireworks show in Orange County. Credit: GIL BOTHWELL, Voice of OC

Councilmember George Weiss explained that the shift is part of the city's efforts to celebrate the holiday in a manner that is less impactful on the environment, aligning with their Climate Action Plan. Concerns over noise pollution, air pollution, ocean pollution, and their effects on individuals with PTSD, as well as pets, prompted the change. The cost of the drone light show is estimated at $75,000, higher than the $42,000 for traditional fireworks, but Weiss emphasized the importance of protecting the city's beaches and anticipated that costs would decrease as drone shows gain popularity and more providers enter the market.

"The ocean is our lifeblood here," Weiss stated, highlighting Laguna Beach's reliance on tourism and the need to avoid polluting the environment.

The drone show in Laguna Beach is set to feature 300 drones in a 15-minute spectacle starting at 9 p.m. on July 4 from Monument Point in Heisler Park. Other Southern California cities, including La Jolla Shores, Downtown Los Angeles, and Rancho Palos Verdes, are also adopting drone shows for this year's celebrations.

Last year, concerns over air quality prompted the local air pollution control agency to issue advisories for several counties due to particle pollution from fireworks, which can exceed levels seen during wildfires. Scott Epstein from the South Coast Air Quality Management District emphasized the public health benefits of reducing fireworks emissions, supporting alternatives like drone shows for entertainment and celebration.

Heisler Park in Laguna Beach on Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC.

Overall, the shift to drone shows reflects a growing trend towards more environmentally friendly celebrations, aiming to preserve both public health and natural surroundings.