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SALT LAKE CITY — Laser shows are so last year.
Salt Lake City officials announced this week that they are switching to yet another alternative to fireworks for the July holidays, providing a drone show at Jordan Park on Saturday ahead of Independence Day next week, and another show at Liberty Park on July 24 for Pioneer Day.
The measure comes a year after the city tested a laser show as an alternative to fireworks, citing drought and air quality concerns with the traditional display. Even though Salt Lake County is no longer listed in drought heading into the holidays this time around, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said Tuesday that those concerns still persist.
"As temperatures rise and fire danger increases, we must be conscientious of both our air quality and the potential for wildfires," she said in a statement. "The summer holiday shows are a mainstay for Salt Lakers and we're excited about adapting to new technology which will provide a safe alternative for our residents and visitors."
The change comes after Kristin Riker, director of Salt Lake City's Public Lands Department, requested $75,000 in the 2024 fiscal year budget for the new drone show, during a May 23 City Council meeting. That request was $45,000 above the existing funding that the department had.
She told the council at the time that last year's laser show received "very warm approval," but not warm enough to top drone shows.
Other organizations have hosted events in Salt Lake City that featured these types of shows over the past year, such as the Utah Art Alliance's ILLUMINATE: Light Art + Creative Tech Fest in November and Outdoor Retailer's downtown block party last week. Riker said drone shows were met with "overwhelming popularity" not just in Utah, but across the country.
"(Cities are) increasingly replacing firework and laser shows for safer, more exciting and environmentally friendlier drone events," she said.
Saturday's show at Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West, will begin at 10 p.m., providing a "display of lights, choreographed formations and aerial acrobatics" for about 10 to 15 minutes, according to the city. The free event will also feature food trucks and live music.
The Pioneer Day show at Liberty Park, 600 E. Harvey Milk Blvd., will also begin at 10 p.m. on July 24.
