Millcreek Fourth of July drone show prioritizes safety, community (kutv.com

MILLCREEK, Utah (KUTV) — This Fourth of July, Millcreek residents had a new way to celebrate: a drone show. The city chose drones for a specific reason: safety.While firework shows, put on across the state, are well planned out and usually have fire fighters on standby, cities are starting to adopt new ways to celebrate Independence Day.Some are excited about the change.“We’re able to come here and be together and see a bunch of friends that are here and just kind of celebrate America,” said Jeff Schroepfer, who was celebrating the holiday. Young and old gathered in Millcreek for the city's Independence Day event.While some prefer traditional fireworks because of the "big kabooms," Millcreek opted for a drone light show for the second year in a row.

“I’m soo soo excited,” said Ryan Nelson, celebrating the Fourth at Millcreek’s show. “I think more in this area it's smart, it's just a smart way of going about things right now.”Rachel Nasse, who manages events for Millcreek and says the choice to use drones was very deliberate.“I think drones are a kinder, gentler sort of show than the fireworks,” she said.Nasse emphasized that fire safety was the main reason for choosing drones over fireworks.“Safety is a huge concern, and with fireworks at this time of year when things are dry, you just never know,” she said.Millcreek puts on their show at the city center which is near a lot of commercial and residential areas and Nasse says they kept that in mind when choosing to switch to drones.The cost to taxpayers for the drone show is about the same as fireworks Nasse says.The city collaborates with a company to design the show.“We get to customize it and be creative and really find things that will appeal to the Millcreek community,” Nasse said.