Some California cities are choosing drone shows over fireworks

Fireworks and the Fourth of July have always seemed like a package deal. But in recent years, some cities are opting for drone shows instead. 

These shows use groups of drones to create formations in the sky — like a bald eagle, or California’s iconic grizzly bear. It’s a light show that’s similar to fireworks, but without the smoke and noise. Organizers of these shows often explain the swap as an environmental one that comes with less pollution and trash than fireworks. 

Katie Biggers, executive director of the Tahoe City Downtown Association, said her organization started hosting drone shows along the northern side of Lake Tahoe in 2022 as a way to be more environmentally sustainable. This year marks their third drone show for the Fourth of July. 

“We looked at doing a more sustainable option for a lot of different reasons, whether it be noise, chemicals going into the air and into the lake … as well as, obviously, fire risk,” Biggers said. 

When fireworks were used in previous years, she said divers were sent out to collect leftover debris that would land in the lake. But drones don’t require that cleanup. It’s a welcome relief after last year, when she said there were reports of multiple tons of trash being collected following celebrations in other parts of Tahoe.  

“I think people that witnessed the massive amount of trash that was collected last year — you know, we were really proud here in North Shore that we didn't necessarily have that,” she said. 

Some parts of the state have actively encouraged drones over fireworks. Earlier this year, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District launched a pilot grant to give money to cities looking for clean alternatives to fireworks. 

Cassandra Melching, a spokesperson for the district, said fireworks have long been an issue for air quality and for vulnerable populations, like children and older adults as well as people with respiratory issues. 

“They emit high levels of fine particulate matter,” she said. “And within that there's soot, there’s ash, heavy metals — a lot of toxins that are very harmful to one's health.” 

Around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, Melching said it’s normal to see an uptick in fine particulate matter. 

“That's why during this time of year, we just try to notify the public and let them know to be mindful of [vulnerable] individuals and protect their health,” Melching said. 

One recipient of the district’s grant was Visalia, located just west of Sequoia National Park, which will be hosting its first-ever drone show for their Independence Day event. 

Laurissa Roggenkamp, Visalia’s recreation division manager, said a drone show could reduce negative impacts on the area’s air quality. 

“We do historically have poor air quality,” she said. “Just recently, there were quite a few fires in Fresno County, which is our neighboring county, and being in the Central Valley, we all get affected by … those wildfires.” 

When planning this year’s drone show, Roggenkamp said city staff explored some of the issues attached to using fireworks. The city’s animal services division had mentioned an uptick in runaway dogs after events using fireworks, and others mentioned impacts on their family. 

“A lot of my colleagues, they have kids with breathing issues, asthma,” Roggenkamp said. “They had just, off the cuff during our meeting, mentioned their kids have difficulty after the Fourth of July.”

Melching said the district will hear back from recipients of their grant and decide whether or not to offer this funding again after the year ends.