This July 4th, I will be heading to my in-laws, where I will enjoy a huge hamburger and watch the fireworks display at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
In other parts of San Diego County, drones have replaced the fireworks. However, they may not have the “bang” necessary for long-term interest
La Jolla and Ocean Beach will host high-tech drone light shows, an alternative to traditional pyrotechnics that has gained popularity over the past few years.Last Fourth of July, Imperial Beach pivoted to a drone show after the fireworks company they contracted with canceled on them one week before the holiday.Spectators had mixed feelings over the show, with some telling NBC7 they were mesmerized by the drones’ abilities to display creative, patriotic images and others saying they prefer a bigger bang.According to Imperial Beach’s website, the city is reverting to traditional fireworks this year.
The move to drones is being made partly due to fire-safety concerns.
An alarming 19,500 fires were sparked by fireworks in 2018 alone, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and nearly 30% of these firework-related blazes occur on the Fourth of July. The SkyShow aims to snuff out this risk in North Tahoe by swapping traditional fireworks for drones, striking a balance between celebrating and preserving our most precious asset, the land.
Unwisely, some officials are trying to convince fireworks-loving American patriots to switch over using the tired, moralistic “sustainability” argument. For example, here is how the drone display in Salt Lake City is being marketed.
This switch to drone shows as an alternative to traditional fireworks not only guarantees a safe and environmentally friendly celebration but also demonstrates Salt Lake City’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. By reducing the risk of fire hazards and minimizing harmful air pollution, Salt Lake City is taking an active role in creating a healthier, greener, and more vibrant community.
The better approach is to focus on innovation and allow the area’s residents to decide which type of sky show they would prefer to see and what is the better choice for the region.
Thomas Dolan, the owner, and operator of Brightflight Drone Shows, explains the approach.
Currently, Dolan said his company has around 100 drones. They are looking to scale up to anywhere from 200 to 500 drones.“We have fun with toys, that’s what we do,” Dolan said with a laugh about drones. “It gives you a view of the world that you just, you can’t get.”Dolan described the differences between drone shows and fireworks.”I certainly don’t want to sit here and say that I don’t love fireworks. I love fireworks,” Dolan said. “We know there are downsides to fireworks, there are risks… They are putting little missiles in the sky that blow up, and with that can come injury, fire, especially in Colorado, [that’s a] huge concern. And drones offer that safe substitute.”
Drone companies have tough competition. The amount of money Americans spend on pyrotechnics each year is mind-blowing.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), we spent $2.3 billion on fireworks in 2022.Just as surprising is how much Americans spent on fireworks in 2020, the first year of pandemic-related lockdowns. Despite social distancing rules and mask mandates, those who love the 4th of July came together to spend $1.9 billion on fireworks.
I encourage both drone navigators and fireworks operators to be both legal and safe.
Personally, I am good with either approach….as long as the theme is red, white, and blue (especially after a full month of rainbow nonsense).
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