As the Fourth of July celebrations kick off around the country, several U.S. cities are choosing innovation over tradition. The time-honored spectacle of fireworks has been replaced by high-tech drone light shows, sparking a lively debate among citizens. While contentious, the move addresses growing concerns around sustainability, fire risk, and air quality.
Salt Lake City, Utah, is leading this new approach. It hosted its first-ever drone show as a part of the Independence Day celebrations. Mayor Erin Mendenhall, justifying the shift, argued for the need to be conscientious of air quality and the potential for wildfires. “As temperatures rise and fire danger increases,” Mendenhall commented, underscoring the city’s commitment to safety and sustainability.
US Cities Replacing Fireworks With Drones, Citing Sustainability Concerns https://t.co/79ecLk23RG
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) July 2, 2023
Meanwhile, the cities of La Jolla and Ocean Beach in California, and the City of Boulder in Colorado, have also embraced this novel idea. Boulder’s shift from traditional fireworks to drones was described as a tough decision based on multiple factors, including the heightened fire danger fueled by climate change.
Critics, however, aren’t too thrilled with this new turn of events. Some residents expressed disappointment at Boulder’s announcement, with comments on Facebook labeling the decision as “lame.” A sense of nostalgia for the grandeur and symbolism of traditional fireworks displays prevails among certain sections of the community.
In contrast, China, a nation known for its large-scale adoption of technology, has steadily transitioned to drone shows over the past five years. This raises an interesting point about how American cities, traditionally famous for their Fourth of July fireworks, are now following suit.
Notwithstanding, the enthusiasm for the good old backyard fireworks remains strong. Despite city regulations, American consumers show no sign of giving up their love for Roman candles, mortars, firecrackers, and bottle rockets. A staggering $370 million was spent on pyrotechnics from China in 2020, pointing to solid resistance against the fading away of this cherished custom.
The rapid growth of technology has undeniably provided a viable alternative to fireworks. Still, the consensus on whether drone shows can replicate fireworks’ magic and charm remains elusive.
The rockets’ red glare being swapped for synchronized electronics this Independence Day could be a sign of changing times. But one thing remains certain, the spirit of the Fourth of July, whether illuminated by fireworks or drones, continues to burn brightly in the hearts of Americans around the nation.
