Drone shows to replace traditional fireworks shows in Salt Lake City
Jun 28, 2023, 7:30 PM

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has announced that the traditional fireworks shows in the city will be replaced by drone shows. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
SALT LAKE CITY — This week, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has announced all traditional fireworks shows in the city will be replaced by drone shows to celebrate the upcoming holidays in July.
The decision was made due to concerns about poor air quality and fire danger.
Lynze Twede, of the Department of Public Lands for the Salt Lake City Corporation, tells KSL NewsRadio what people should expect.
Drone show for the first time
“So, Salt Lake City is hosting our first-ever drone show,” Twede said. “So, this has never been done before by our city specifically.”
Twede says the first drone show will be held Saturday, July 1 at Jordan Park. The event will begin at 8 p.m. and the drone show will begin at 10 p.m. The drone show should last between 10 and 15 minutes.
“But attendees are encouraged to arrive early,” Twede said. “To indulge in delectable treats from our food trucks, groove to some live music and secure their spot on the lawn.”
The second drone show will be held on July 24 at 10 p.m.
What should attendees expect from a drone show?
“So, viewers can expect to be amazed by a fusion of technology and artistry as they experience the sky come to life,” Twede said. “With our cutting-edge drones that will create a breathtaking spectacle.”
She says there are 150 drones, each with a LED light.
“That will create a variety of different color combinations and images up in the sky,” Twede said. “And then those are all time to music down on the ground.”
She says there will only be a couple of drone operators.
“All of the drones have built-in technology that all listen to one software that [is] pre-programmed to kind of take flight and make these formations,” Twede said.
Reaction to the drone show
KSL NewsRadio’s Maura Carabello and Greg Skordas, guest hosting for Dave & Dujanovic, took reactions from listeners.
Randy from Stansbury Park said, “All the way drones. I’m a retired firefighter. I’ve seen lots of kids burned by fireworks. I’ve seen house fires started. (And) I’ve seen complete pastures burned right down to the ground with fireworks. I’ve seen people’s boats catch fire. Let’s do drones.”
Listen to the entire segment.
Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
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