On July 4, drone shows shed light on dozens of cities this year Aitrend

The celebrations of July 4 can be different in certain cities this year while they exchange the twilight of fireworks for display of synchronized drones.

Independence day drone shows are planned for dozens of cities across the country, from Salt Lake City to Sarasota, Florida. The shows, produced by a variety of sellers, involve hundreds of illuminated drones programmed to perform choreographed routines defined on catchy songs like “Firework” by Katy Perry.

Everyone is on board with the passage of the old -fashioned pyrotechnic, but the companies behind the drone are promising to deliver the whole pump and the circumstances of the performances of traditional fireworks and even more, using impressive displays that capture the spirit of American independence.

Salt Lake City will organize a drone show for the third consecutive year. Andrew Wittenberg, spokesperson for the city mayor’s office, said the main reason for the adoption of the new July 4 exhibition was security. Drone shows reduce the risk of fire And are presented as an option more respectful of the environment than fireworks that can leave debris.

“We are in drought conditions at the moment,” said Wittenberg. “And it is therefore a question of practicality on all kinds of other preferences.”

Drone shows are also much quieter than fireworks, which makes them more inclusive for people with SSPT and dogs, said Jana Cunningham, communications manager at Salt Lake City Lands Department, in an email at CBS Moneywatch.

The city expects some 7,500 people for this year, which will include the Empire State Building and the Liberty Statue, among other emblematic American images, she said.

That said, drone shows are not accident resistant. Last year, a 7 -year -old boy suffered serious injuries after a The drone crashed and fell On his head during a holiday show in Florida. The incident prompted the New York road runners to cancel a drone show that she had planned for her annual New Year’s race in Central Park.

Read the rest for more details on drone emissions and what triggered their popularity.

How do drone emissions work?

Drone Shows uses mini-aerians remotely controlled to create patterns and animated scenes in the night sky. In the case of Sky Elements Drones – a large player in the industry for cinematographic events (Marvel, Star Wars), sporting events (Seattle Seahawks half -time) and even more – displays can involve thousands of drones and extend up to 400 feet high and 400 feet wide.

To produce shows, Rick Boss, CEO of Sky Elements, said that his design team works with customers to create storyboards, then drones programs to prepare them for the flight.

“A 300 drones show could take up to 80 hours of programming just to make sure that each drone knows exactly where it is supposed to be, what color it is supposed to be, throughout its flight trajectory,” said Boss.

During the performance of the Drone Show, Sky Elements has a driver and a co -pilot monitoring a computer to make sure everything works well. The drones are scheduled to stay in a “geofence”, said the boss, which sets the limits of the place where devices can steal and turn off their engines if they fly outside the limits.

Some cities, such as NashvilleTennessee has chosen to combine drones with traditional fireworks such as a way to increase the WOW factor. This year, the capital is incorporation 400 drones in its independence fair.

Sky Elements said that he also had permits to load his drone shows with a traditional pyrotechinics, giving them the opportunity to draw fireworks directly.

Growing business

Drone emissions have exploded in popularity in recent years when Americans have been looking for safer and more environmentally friendly resources to mark major events. Among the largest adopters are Major League Baseball and the Grammy Awards.

Industry income is around $ 338 million, according to a recent report From the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a reflection group on public policy.

Drone shows began to appear pre-countryic and really picked up about four years ago, according to Boss. “The demand has just passed through the roof,” he said.

In fact, the only thing that prevents Sky’s elements from hosting more shows is a lack of supply, he added. The company has a fleet of 7,000, which may seem a lot, but is not yet enough to meet demand. The company’s July 4 shows are already sold for next year, he said.

“Return to boom!”

Not all places are ready to break with traditional fireworks.

Tahoe City and Kings Beach, who are both Border Lake Tahoe in California, presented drone displays two years ago, but who are now overthrowing the course this year in the midst of residents’ repression. Kristen Guinn, marketing director of a non -profit group called North Tahoe Community Alliance, said the two cities made the appeal after a community survey revealed that 80% of respondents wanted regular fireworks.

“After two years to make a drone show for the festivities of July 4, the community spoke loud and clear – and the Tahoe City Downtown Association brings back the boom!” bed one statement on the group’s website.

Galveston, Texas, also returned to traditional fireworks in 2023 after going to drones in 2022, according to at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.