FORT BRAGG, CA, 12/27/25 – The city of Fort Bragg is asking residents to weigh in on the future of the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show through a community survey.
At the center of the discussion is whether the city should continue with a traditional fireworks display or transition to a drone light show.
Drone light shows have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to fireworks. For some residents, fireworks raise concerns about air and water pollution, public safety, wildfire risk and the potential to trigger trauma for veterans and distress for pets — though wildfire risk is generally lower along the Fort Bragg coast.
Drone shows, by contrast, use coordinated aircraft programmed to create illuminated designs in the sky, often set to music to replace the familiar sound of fireworks.
Others, however, say fireworks are a cherished tradition, valued for their nostalgia and spectacle.
City officials said survey responses will be reviewed to help guide future celebrations. Fort Bragg’s Fourth of July event draws residents and visitors from across Northern California for the annual oceanside display.
The survey can be completed in English at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFNX55F and Spanish at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVYVJMR.
Drones are much better and the shows will last longer…Plus less likely to cause a fire…
It would be great if the survey, and this article, included an example of what a drone show for Fourth of July looks like.
There are examples on YouTube, search “4th July drone show”. Better if links were provided to survey recipients as Tabetha suggests.
Oh please can we not just leave anything alone. Why does everything need to be improved changed discontinued replaced. Fireworks are fantastic, have been loud powerful smelly smokey fun impressive for over 300yrs. Take you’re light show to Yuppie Town with your EV and your perfect smile. People need housing jobs safe sidewalks leave the 4th of July Fireworks alone.
Save the money, which is substantial, and direct it to people in need.