Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
DRONE VERSUS TRADITIONAL FIREWORKS SHOW REPORT
The chart below shows a cost comparison of Drone versus a traditional fireworks show:
REFERENCE Type of
Event
Classic 8-
Minute
Experience
(200-300 Drones)
Premium 11-
Minute
Experience
(300-500 Drones)
Program
A
20 Minute
Showcase
Program
B
20 Minute
Showcase
DRONE SHOW
The Drone Girl Drone 200=
$149,000
300
=$199,000
+ Lodging
Expenses
300 =$199,00
500 =$299,00
+ Lodging
Expenses
Sky Worx Drone 12-Minute
Experience
$200-$400
Per Drone
+ Lodging
Expenses
200 = $40k
- $80,000
300 = $60k
- $120,000
500=$100k
- $200,000
Intel Drone 200=
$99,000
300=
$149,000
+ Lodging
Expenses
300=
$199,000
500=
$299,000
+ Lodging
Expenses
TRADITIONAL
FIREWORKS
SHOWS
Pyro
Spectaculars
Fireworks
(Land
Shoot)
$64,400
Pyro
Spectaculars
Fireworks
(Barge
Launch)
$103,185
Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
Lodging Expenses Information:
Item Needed Expense
Lodging Includes: Three Days,
(3) Rooms w/Double Bed /
prefer Airbnb
TBD / $220 per night @ (3) Nights = $680.00
Launch Area: Desired
locations are flat areas, can
launch from an area with a
slight grade. Prefer no tall
grass and not in an area that
has a lot of metal
TBD
Pictures of Drone Show displays
The chart below shows the specifications of the area for drones for the display:
The table below shows the space requirement for drone show displays:
Number of drones Space needed for the drone show display 100 900 square feet
200 1800 square feet
300 2700 square feet
500 4500 square feet
Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
All these can be adjusted to fit into a parking lot or designated area in a park. They can even grid the launch pad in different shapes than rectangles and squares to fit into the desired location. There is no additional cost to synchronize music.
The drone shows with different quantities of drones are illustrated below:
Display with 200 drones:
Display with 300 drones
Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
Display with 500 drones
The table below shows the results of a survey of Surrounding Bay Area Cities within 150 miles of Richmond that host Firework Showcases for various events.
San Francisco The city usually has spectacular fireworks display over the Bay viewable from various points like Fisherman’s Whart and Pier 39 Berkeley The Berkeley Marina hosts a 4th of July celebration with fireworks Oakland The Oakland A’s often have fireworks shows after their games.
Suisun City Festival and Parade
Vallejo Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has a fireworks show Sacramento The city hosts a large fireworks show at Cal Expo Santa Cruz Fireworks can be seen at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Marin County The Marin County Fair includes fireworks each night of the fair Concord The Toyota Pavilion at Concord often hosts fireworks events
Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
Experiences of Northern California Cities
Napa The city hosted its largest drone show in 2024, with 400 drones creating intricate light displays. The shift to drones was driven by environmental concerns and the desire to minimize wildfire risks. The community has embraced the change, and the event is now a highlight of the city’s climate action initiatives.
North Lake
Tahoe
The area has completely replaced fireworks with drone shows since 2022, focusing on protecting the local environment, including Lake Tahoe itself. The decision, while initially controversial, has been well- received as people recognize the long-term benefits.
Rancho
Cordova
This city has experimented with combining drone shows with traditional fireworks, offering a blend of old and new. The drone segments provide unique visuals, complementing the familiar fireworks experience.
The table below is of cities within approximately 200 miles of Richmond categorized by their use of drone showcases, traditional fireworks, or a combination of both for their July 4th celebrations:
# City Drone
Showcases Traditional Fireworks Combination of Drone &
Fireworks
1 Napa Yes No No
2 North Lake
Tahoe Yes No No
3 Rancho
Cordova No Yes Yes
4 Visalia Yes No No
5 San Francisco No Yes No
6 Oakland No Yes No
7 Berkeley No Yes No
8 San Jose No Yes No
9 Sacramento No Yes No
10 Concord No Yes No
11 Fresno No Yes No
12 Monterey No Yes No
Attachment 1: Drone versus Traditional Fireworks Show
(January 28, 2025)
13 Santa Cruz No Yes No
14 Stockton No Yes No
15 Modesto No Yes No
16 Santa Rosa No Yes No