AURORA | The city is moving forward with swapping out its annual Fourth of July fireworks for the lower fire-risk option of a night-time drone show.

The council voiced support for forgoing a fireworks display and instead having a drone show at the annual Fourth of July celebration at, and above, city hall. Council members said they were inclined to make the swap because of the likelihood of drought in future summers and growing wildfire risks.

“We live in an arid climate that’s not going to change next year, so you know I think the sooner we get people comfortable with alternatives to traditional fireworks the better,” said Councilmember Curtis Gardner.

Gardner added that he would prefer to keep firefighting resources available for potential emergencies and not utilize them for the city’s professional show.

Councilmember Rueben Medina said he also supports switching to a drone show because it might help reduce traffic build-ups in surrounding neighborhoods caused by crowds gathering to see the fireworks.

According to city staff, a roughly 20-minute fireworks display costs $65,000, while a similar-length drone show is estimated to cost about $90,000. Brian Green, director of parks, recreation and open space, said the city would issue a request for proposals for the drone show to select a reasonably priced operator. Green added that the drone show would fit in the department’s existing 2027 budget.

While fireworks displays are popular and widely visible, Green said the drawbacks include smoke and air pollution, fire risk and noise impacts. Drones are quieter, drought-resistant and don’t have air pollution or fire risks, but are less visible, more expensive and, like fireworks, can be impacted by weather.

The city featured a drone show at this year’s AuroraFest and Councilmember Stephanie Hancock said feedback about that show was largely positive.

“The general consensus was ‘This is cool,’” Hancock said.

The change to drones won’t require the council to vote on a resolution or ordinance, so the city will move forward with organizing the new show.

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