A drone show will replace the Fourth of July tradition of fireworks in Lincoln City along the Oregon Coast in 2025.
Instead of the colorful pops, the Siletz Bay sky will be filled with colorful moving shapes and animations.
The move to drones from fireworks is focused on being more environmentally conscious. Here’s what to know.
The Chatwin, left, and Weathers family watch hundreds of drones display the U.S. flag at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Salem, Ore.
How to enjoy Fourth of July drone show over Siletz Bay
Starting at 10 p.m. on July 4, visitors can experience the new light show with 200 LED light synchronized drones that will light up the Siletz Bay sky. The show is expected to finish at 10:30 p.m.
The show will be produced by Sky Elements, winner of 13 Guinness World Record titles and the largest drone show provider in the United States.
Taft Waterfront Park along Southwest 51st Street is recommended as the best place to view the drone show.
Before the drone show, live music from Hecktic Week, Mariachi Cuervo Band and Huckle Buck Highway will be played in the Taft Pavilion starting in the afternoon until the start of the show.
Lincoln City replaces Fourth of July fireworks with drone show for environment
The switch to drones from fireworks comes as a way to be more environmentally conscious and to address the concerns city officials and residents have about the impact fireworks have on public safety.
“Replacing fireworks with the Oregon Coast’s very first drone show enables us to preserve Lincoln City’s natural beauty while supporting public safety and creating a celebration that’s more inclusive of everyone,” Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincoln City, said in a news release. “It’s a new tradition we can all feel good about.”
With the switch to drones, there will be no smoke, debris or chemicals released into the environment.
According to the press release, past firework shows have complied with firework regulations; however, plastic, gunpowder and heavy metals all pose a risk to sensitive wildlife areas like Siletz Bay, Salishan Spit and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Where to park for Lincoln City’s Fourth of July drone show
Parking may be limited in certain areas.
A shuttle service will be available to make rounds from Taft High School to Taft Waterfront Park until 1 a.m.
For more information about Lincoln City Fourth of July celebrations, go to explorelincolncity.com/events/holidays/4th-of-july/.
Mariah Johnston is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach her at mjohnston@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Lincoln City, Oregon, cuts Fourth of July fireworks for drone show
