Ready for liftoff: Why drone shows are replacing fireworks in some suburbs

For the first time in five years, an Independence Day display will light up the skies above Arlington Heights. But instead of fireworks marking the nation's semiquincentennial, drones will entertain the crowds Thursday night.

The Northwest suburb’s drone show is part of a trend by municipalities and entertainment businesses to augment or replace traditional fireworks displays with synchronized routines by lighted drones.

“We’re excited to produce a dynamic drone show built around patriotic displays and storytelling,” Arlington Heights Assistant Village Manager Diana Mikula said of the show entitled “Taking America's 250th Celebration to the Heights.”

Schaumburg, which for years has included fireworks as part of its annual Septemberfest celebration, this year will present a drone show instead.

“While fireworks have been a cherished tradition, recent developments and safety considerations have prompted a review of this practice,” said Roxanne Benvenuti, the village's special events coordinator. “Updated rules for fireworks setup require significantly larger safety zones and buffer areas.

“Transitioning to a drone show reflects our commitment to public safety, community engagement, as well as environmental and fiscal responsibility,” Benvenuti added.

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee will debut a custom-designed drone show featuring “low-proximity pyrotechnic effects” on Friday and Saturday, as part of its summer-long 50th anniversary celebration.

Drone shows and combination drone and fireworks shows have been a Schaumburg Boomers tradition since 2023. This year, the independent-league baseball team hosts a combination drone and fireworks show on Friday, followed by traditional fireworks only “super show” on Saturday, according to Michael Larson, Boomers executive vice president and general manager.

He says fans have embraced drones.

“On Father's Day, we had a (drone-generated) dad and daughter playing catch while the fireworks went off,” he said, adding that the combination of drones and fireworks “creates nonstop action” that fans enjoy.

Drone displays are gaining popularity nationwide, according to said Rick Boss, president and CEO of Sky Elements. The Texas-based company produces drone light shows at events around the country, including at Navy Pier.

Five years ago, fewer than 30 drone shows occurred in the United States, said Boss. This year, about 1,500 are scheduled, he said.

The shows typically last 12 to 15 minutes and cost between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on the complexity, Boss said. Sky Elements, which pioneered the practice of attaching fireworks to its drones, customizes its shows. Each takes about 70 hours to program, Boss said.

Aurora debuted its first drone show two years ago at the city’s Winter Lights Festival. Director of Special Events Mike Nelson said its success has city officials considering combining pyrotechnics and drones in the future.

“Drone shows are much easier to produce from an operational standpoint,” Nelson said. “There’s less risk involved from a fire perspective, and there’s zero debris.”

“It’s a sustainable form of entertainment,” he added. “I’m advocating to see more of them in Aurora.”

Another factor in drones’ favor is the effect fireworks have on people with respiratory issues, who the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency advises to take precautions to avoid fireworks emissions.

While emissions don't usually have a widespread or long-term impact, air quality ratings in the hours following a fireworks display can reach level orange, indicating “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Weather can increase the emissions’ impact, said IEPA Public Information Officer Kim Biggs.

“Stagnate weather conditions lead to particulate matter lingering more into the early mornings, whereas more active windy or even stormy weather tends to dilute emissions more quickly,” she said.

Cost and the environmental impact aren't the only considerations. Fireworks can trigger people living with post-traumatic stress disorder, including veterans.

The American Legion Department of Illinois does not have an official position on fireworks versus drones, says adjutant Josh Thielen. But Thielen, who deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, said they can affect former soldiers differently.

“If I see fireworks going on, it doesn't impact me,” he said. “But when I'm not expecting it, that's when the triggers happen.”

Drones aren’t necessarily the solution, since the humming they produce can also be a trigger, he added. The sound reminds him of a close encounter with a mortar round during his first deployment to Iraq.

“In that case, we're trading one sound for another. It's just a quieter sound,” Thielen said.

Humans aren't the only creatures affected by July 4 celebrations. Veterinarians warn that fireworks can traumatize pets because their hearing is so acute.

“We see the effects on dogs more so than cats,” said Dr. Anita Kuhnle, veterinarian and co-owner of the Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights.

For several weeks, Kuhnle has written five to 10 prescriptions daily for anti-anxiety medications to alleviate canine distress. Symptoms include pacing, panting, trembling, hiding and digging. Scheduling potty breaks before dusk and keeping dogs indoors can help.

“Try to make (pets) as comfortable as possible in an inside room with no windows,” said Kuhnle, who also recommends owners turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise and remain calm themselves.

“Some dogs become nervous based on the reaction of owners,” she said. “The big thing is not to react to a boom.”