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Council sticks with fireworks for July 4 celebration; public urged drones and hybrid options

South Pasadena City Council · February 5, 2026

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Summary

After hearing vendor bids and extensive public comment — including petitions and student presentations urging drone shows for safety and air‑quality reasons — council voted unanimously to hold a traditional fireworks show for July 4, 2026 and authorized the city manager to sign a vendor contract within the budget.

The South Pasadena City Council voted Feb. 4 to hold a traditional fireworks show for the city’s July 4, 2026 celebration and authorized the city manager to execute a contract that does not exceed the approved budget.

Staff presented three options — traditional fireworks (one vendor bid at about $40,000), drone shows (multiple proposals ranging from about $20,000 to $150,000 depending on drone count and runtime) and a hybrid fireworks‑plus‑drone format. "Drone shows reduce noise and combustion impacts but introduce FAA coordination, potential viewing‑distance issues, and manufacturing/disposal considerations," Community Services Deputy Director Melissa Snyder said.

Public commenters, including middle‑school students, urged replacing or reducing fireworks because of fire risk, air pollution and harm to pets. "Drones do not involve any sort of gunpowder and therefore have a much lower risk of starting fires," student Amelia Perry told council during public comment. Others noted that drone shows can be short and may require added programming to feel comparable to fireworks.

Council rationale and vote: Several councilmembers said the community traditionally favors fireworks and that the city needs more time to plan a high‑quality drone or hybrid experience for the 250th anniversary. "This is the 250th — we may need more time to plan a replacement show that satisfies different audiences," one councilmember said. A motion to adopt the traditional fireworks show passed by unanimous roll call.

Next steps: Council asked staff to expand next year’s survey to test drone‑and‑laser concepts and to consider a hybrid or test event in the future; the motion also authorized the city manager to finalize a contract within the approved budget for the traditional fireworks display.