South Pasadena staff to study hybrid fireworks‑drone Fourth of July show for 2026; 2025 event to remain traditional

Community Services staff told the Public Safety Commission on May 12 that South Pasadena will present a traditional fireworks display for July 4, 2025, and that City Council has directed staff to study a possible hybrid approach that could incorporate a drone light show for the 2026 celebration.

The discussion matters because council direction signals staff will evaluate alternatives that can reduce fire risk, lower noise, and offer more environmentally friendly options while preserving the city’s holiday tradition.

Lucy Hakobian, Community Services Director, said the 2025 celebration was approved by council to be a traditional fireworks show and that council asked staff to explore a hybrid fireworks‑plus‑drone format for 2026. Hakobian described drones as “a compelling alternative in many cities” because they eliminate fire risk and reduce noise for people and pets, but she cautioned that drone shows carry their own limitations, including weather sensitivity and costs.

Hakobian gave several preliminary figures and comparisons during the commission discussion. She said the city’s 2025 traditional fireworks show runs about 20 minutes and that the city’s current vendor price for the traditional display is $36,006.20. For drone estimates she said costs depend heavily on drone count and show complexity; she cited a vendor quote of $27,500 for a 50‑drone show and said larger displays will increase costs and visual quality. Hakobian summarized the tradeoff as “a good show versus a great show,” and offered to return to the commission with visual examples and more developed timing and cost estimates after staff meets with vendors.

Commissioners and members of the public asked for comparisons with neighboring cities. Hakobian said preliminary information showed San Gabriel and Pasadena have been using drone shows while other nearby cities continue with fireworks; staff will compile updated comparisons for the next briefing. The presentation also noted potential launch/site constraints: contractors preliminarily ruled out the baseball field and suggested the soccer field off Fremont as a more feasible staging area, but Hakobian said the contractors need on‑site visits to determine final suitability, consider Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and account for neighbor impacts.

No formal recommendation or vote was requested at the May 12 meeting. Staff said it will return to the Public Safety Commission with a detailed concept for the 2026 show and will seek commission input and recommendation before a final proposal goes to City Council.

Commissioners and members of the public raised safety, tradition and tariff concerns. One member of the public asked whether tariffs affecting fireworks imports should change the city’s cost calculus; Hakobian acknowledged the concern and said staff will include any relevant procurement or tariff impacts in future cost comparisons.

Staff requested input from commissioners on preferred timing, neighbor coordination and comparative examples; commissioners asked staff to report back on what neighboring jurisdictions plan to do for future Fourth of July events.