Commission recommends keeping traditional fireworks at South Pasadena High School

The Community Services Commission voted on March 10 to recommend that the city continue a traditional fireworks show at South Pasadena High School for the July 4 celebration rather than replace it with a drone show.

Community Services Director Lucy presented staff analysis and vendor cost information, saying staff had reviewed options and that moving the fireworks to the Arroyo or golf course was not recommended because of brush, access and parking concerns. "Staff does not recommend moving the show down to the Arroyo Fields or to the golf course," Lucy said. She also reported a range of vendor estimates for drone shows: Grizzly Entertainment quoted about $27,500 for a 250-drone show and roughly $35,000 for a 350-drone show; SkyElements gave a range roughly $60,000–$175,000; Skyworks’ holiday minimum was reported as $45,000.

Lucy said drones have advantages — lower fire risk, fewer pollutants and more control over imagery — but are shorter (battery-limited) and may reduce ticket revenue if attendees prefer fireworks. She also told commissioners the city budget for the entire July 4 event (parade, party in the park, opening ceremony and the show) is $135,000 and that the city paid about $36,000 for the fireworks portion in 2024. Staff noted the high school district waived the facility fee this year but the city would still cover staffing costs for district staff.

A public commenter, Josh Albertson, urged the commission to keep fireworks for the crowd and children: "My kids want to go see things go boom up in the sky," he said, arguing a 12‑minute drone display would disappoint families used to a longer fireworks performance.

After discussion about costs, sound and viewing angles (Lucy said drone formations are limited by FAA rules and that drone displays are typically flown to about 400 feet), Chair Samuels moved that the commission recommend the city retain the traditional fireworks show at the high school and extend the show if budget allows. The motion was seconded and the roll-call vote was recorded as: Chair Samuels — yes; Vice Chair Plotkin — yes; Commissioner Alby Field — yes; Commissioner Bagasau — yes; Commissioner Moore — yes; Commissioner Weinberger — yes. The chair declared "Motion carries."

Staff will include the commission’s recommendation in a report to City Council for the March 19 meeting and, if Council agrees, staff said it would move quickly to finalize vendor contracts and event logistics so the show can be staged this year.