For a long time, organized Fireworks have been synonymous with holiday celebrations such as the 4th of July. But in this season of drought, some western American towns are abandoning this tradition for a more safer alternative…drone shows! The change has partly been inspired by beautifully choreographed drone shows such as the one from the opening ceremony of the 2018 winter Olympics. Synchronized drone shows have come a long way since they started around 3 years ago and are increasingly becoming more complex and beautiful.

Wildfire Concerns
Due to the fire risk associated with fireworks, towns in Aspen, Colorado, and Arizona have shelved firework displays and are now experimenting with this new drone technology. The Aspen Chamber Resort Association was among those who made the switch this year. Instead of the traditional fireworks, they will be working with the Great Lakes Drone Company to showcase a drone show.

According to sales and marketing director Reyna Price, the Great Lakes Drone Company has received similar requests from Nevada, California and other areas that are dealing with droughts. The spectacle created by hundreds of tiny drones flying above the air has wowed many. But there are some who still insist that celebrations are nothing without the “boom” that real fireworks make.

Anil Nanduri, a general manager of Intel’s drone group dismisses this criticism and embraces the change with optimism. Although fireworks have been lighting our skies for 12 centuries now, Anil believes that the drone technology opens us up to new and exciting opportunities. We can now paint stories in the sky through animation with great precision.

The Challenges
The shift from the traditional firework displays to drones has not been without challenges. For one, drones are expensive. One-time drone shows may, therefore, not be feasible. However, the cost per show may be significantly less if the drones are re-used.

Wind is another obstacle. A drone show scheduled to take place at the Travis Airforce Base was pushed to the fifth because of high winds. The winds were expected to be over 30 miles per hour. Drones fly better in winds between 13 and 18 miles per hour. However, it is important to note that similar circumstance often effect traditional firework displays as well.

Drone Shows Are Here to Stay
As executive director at the American Pyrotechnics Association, Julie Heckman points out, the sounds and colors that usually accompany fireworks evoke a unique kind of experience among people. Whether drone shows can replicate this same type of experience is a matter for debate.