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Cities across the US replacing fireworks with drone shows

Instead of fireworks, many are turning to high tech drone shows to celebrate the 4th of July.

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GYPSUM, COLO. — There's something different lighting up the skies over some cities this weekend. Instead of fireworks, many are turning to high tech drone shows to celebrate the 4th of July.

Drone shows are growing in popularity in the western United States, where the fire danger is higher than ever. Each year, the number of wildfires spike dramatically on July 4.

In Gypsum, Colorado, Mayor Steven Carver is hosting the town's first-ever drone show to reduce environmental impacts.

"I do think it will replace the fireworks," Carver said. "Our community understands the fire danger here. I just want the story of independence to be brought to us through the drones to our citizens of Gypsum, and I think that that will be as powerful as the fireworks."

It's not just the fire concerns. Recent data shows costs are up 35% across the fireworks industry due to inflation and supply chain interruptions.

"It used to cost between $8,000 and $10,000 to ship a container of fireworks," said Josh Pappas, Superior Fireworks communications and technology director. "And today we're looking at $35,000 to $40,000."

The demand for drones is growing.

"We've seen about a 70% to 80% increase in volume as far as calls and requests for our drone shows," said Paul Whitney, executive producer for Bluemedia.

Drone company UAV, which is hosting the show in Gypsum, is completely booked for the holiday weekend.

To put on the show, 100 drones are calibrated, preprogrammed and computer-controlled.

People in the industry think drone shows will keep increasing in popularity.

"I think we're at the very beginning," said drone programmer Graham Hill. "So I can't imagine what it's gonna be like in five years. The sky's the limit."

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