July 3, 2023
The shift from traditional fireworks to drones was not an easy decision and based on a number of factors …
The city of Boulder, Colorado, announcing its decision to offer a nighttime drone show rather than a fireworks show on the Fourth of July. They are among a number of cities opting for drones this year.
Why It Matters: Cities like Boulder, CO, as well as others in California and Utah have chosen to use drones for Fourth of July shows. The decision was made due to a wide range of factors, such as drones being safer, quieter, and better for the environment – especially in places impacted by wildfires. Not all firework companies, however, are concerned about the rise of drone use. Heather Gobet of Western Display, a fireworks company in Oregon, said, “I know there are some companies that are doing that — I guess our philosophy is we’re going to do what we do best."
Did You Know? Consumer sales of fireworks sales have jumped over the past two decades, with Americans spending $407 million on fireworks in 2000 and $2.3 billion in 2022. The increase expected to continue this year by about another $100 million.
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by Jenna Lee,
