Lake Stevens council weighs banners, fireworks and drones for America's 250th celebration

Anya, a city staff member, told the Lake Stevens City Council on June 17 that the state has asked local governments to consider participating in events for the United States' 250th anniversary and that city staff have begun coordinating with the Lake Stevens Historical Society on possible local activities."Good evening, council. City administrator, Gene Bridal, is out of the office, and I'm filling in for him for the next couple weeks," Anya said as she introduced the item and the city's initial outreach to the historical society.

Councilmembers and staff tied the discussion to visible, low-cost actions and larger event options. Councilmembers expressed support for year‑round banners or seasonal displays on main corridors, and staff said a standard celebratory banner could be accommodated under the existing beautification budget without requiring additional funds.

At the same time, members pressed for options that would broaden public access. One councilmember said a fireworks show over the lake can limit who can see it depending on launch location and pointed to AquaFest's recent cost for a lake fireworks display as an example: "we're paying right around $19,000 for basically 10 to 12 minutes worth of fireworks out on the lake," the councilmember said while discussing visibility and expense tradeoffs.

Environmental concerns were raised about fireworks debris and air pollution landing in the lake. A councilmember asked city staff whether the city's stormwater or environmental team, including Shannon, had sampled the lake after previous displays to assess pollutant levels. Staff did not present sampling results at the meeting.

Staff and councilmembers also discussed drone displays as an alternative. A staff member said a basic drone show quote received earlier was about $250 per drone and that a visually substantial show would typically require 200 to 250 drones, which could put the cost in the roughly $50,000–$60,000 range; staff also noted AquaFest had received a quote around $40,000. The staff member said larger drone shows (hundreds to a thousand drones) are available in larger cities but cost substantially more, and that sponsorships could offset expenses if the council wanted logos or branded segments in a show.

Councilmembers asked staff to research three primary topic areas: (1) a list of potential launch or viewing locations that would increase access for residents; (2) the technology and broadcast options that could carry a show to more viewers (including live video or drone footage); and (3) comparative costs and environmental effects for fireworks versus drone shows. Staff said they would continue coordinating with the historical society and bring options back to the council.

The council did not take formal action or vote on any proposal during the workshop. Instead, staff were directed to return with venue options, cost estimates, and additional information about environmental impacts and regulatory constraints.