Flagstaff plans festive drone show for July 4 featuring movie and viewing spots

The Flagstaff Tourism Commission meeting held on May 22, 2025, focused on preparations for the upcoming Fourth of July drone show, scheduled for 9:10 PM. The event aims to enhance local celebrations and attract visitors to downtown Flagstaff.

Commission members discussed the logistics of the drone show, emphasizing the need for effective communication with both locals and tourists regarding viewing locations and preparations. The Discover Flagstaff website will serve as the primary source of information, featuring a dedicated page for the event that includes maps and guidelines for optimal viewing.

Heidi, a commissioner, highlighted collaboration with local businesses to ensure that visitors can find suitable parking and viewing spots. She mentioned discussions with a downtown representative about potentially screening a children's movie before the drone show to keep families engaged in the area.

The meeting also addressed the importance of educating the public about the best viewing experiences, noting that proximity to buildings or trees could hinder visibility. The commission plans to enhance the information available on the website, including details about parking and viewing radius maps, which indicate the best locations for experiencing the drone show.

In addition to the drone show, the commission is focusing on marketing strategies for Route 66 and conducting a website audit to improve online engagement. They plan to utilize social media and outdoor advertising to promote the event, targeting markets in Phoenix and Tucson to maximize outreach.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to creating a memorable Fourth of July experience while fostering community engagement and tourism in Flagstaff.