PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Two Arizona cities are helping make history this Independence Day as Texas-based drone company Sky Elements attempts to break a Guinness World Record by staging 26 drone shows in 24 hours.
Gilbert and Goodyear are both taking part in the massive effort. While Gilbert will feature both drones and traditional fireworks, Goodyear has swapped fireworks entirely for a drone display—a first for the city.
Goodyear city spokesperson Dawn Stipe acknowledged some public criticism over the switch but said the decision was made for safety reasons. With the city’s Star Spangled Fourth of July celebration at Goodyear Ballpark growing in popularity, there’s no longer enough space to safely launch fireworks.
“We do want to keep it patriotic,” said Stipe. “We have symbols and imagery in there with the American flag and different American pastimes to keep that patriotic feel and hope people enjoy the transition.”
The drone shows will include colorful aerial imagery synced to music, offering a high-tech alternative that’s also kinder to pets, veterans with PTSD, and the environment.
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