If you’re anything like me, the Fourth of July has always meant one thing: fireworks. The rumble in your chest, the sulfur in the air, the oohs and ahhs from the crowd as brilliant explosions light up the sky. It’s a ritual I’ve loved since I was a kid. But this year, Lincoln City is making history—and honestly, after seeing what’s planned, I’m not mad about it.

On Independence Day 2025, Lincoln City will launch the Oregon Coast’s very first Fourth of July drone light show, replacing decades of traditional fireworks with something entirely new: 200 synchronized drones dancing across the night sky above Siletz Bay.

These aren’t your average drones. Produced by Sky Elements, a seven-time Guinness World Record holder and the largest drone show provider in the U.S., this 15-minute performance will be choreographed to music, featuring glowing animations and visual storytelling—all without smoke, explosions, or debris. It’s bold. It’s beautiful. And it’s a celebration with a conscience.

Let’s be real—traditional fireworks may be stunning, but they also come with a lot of baggage. Lincoln City officials made the change to protect their beloved environment, especially sensitive areas like Siletz Bay, Salishan Spit, and the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Even legal, professional shows release harmful substances into the air and water, including lead, cadmium, aluminum, and copper—materials toxic to wildlife and damaging to the soil and water.

There’s also the matter of public safety. Hosting a city-sponsored fireworks show while asking residents not to light personal ones sends a mixed message. It makes law enforcement’s job harder and complicates efforts to reduce fire risk during Oregon’s increasingly dry summers.

But there’s another reason that hits close to home for many of us: our pets.

Fireworks Are Traumatic for Dogs. Period.

As someone who’s spent many July Fourths trying to comfort a trembling dog hiding under the bed, I know firsthand how distressing fireworks can be for animals. And I’m not alone. According to the American Kennel Club, nearly 1 in 2 dogs experience noise aversion—and fireworks are among the biggest triggers. Loud, unpredictable blasts can cause panic attacks in dogs, leading to destructive behavior, attempts to flee, and in many tragic cases, pets running away and becoming lost.

Animal shelters across the country report huge spikes in intake following the Fourth of July. The ASPCA has long warned about the dangers of fireworks to companion animals, noting that the sudden booms can lead to increased anxiety, disorientation, and even injury.

This is why drone shows are such a game-changer. They’re quieter, predictable, and less distressing to pets. That also makes them easier on wildlife—and on people who suffer from PTSD.

“Lincoln City is located where seven miles of sandy beach meet lush coastal forests, and where our community treasures both, along with all the wild creatures that inhabit our natural spaces,” said Kim Cooper Findling, Director of Explore Lincoln City. “Replacing fireworks with the Oregon Coast’s very first drone show enables us to preserve Lincoln City’s natural beauty while supporting public safety and creating a celebration that’s more inclusive of everyone.”

The city has made it clear: this is about honoring tradition and evolving it for the better. Because celebrating freedom shouldn’t mean polluting our lands, stressing our pets, or putting our neighbors at risk.

What Else Is Happening July 4 in Lincoln City?

It’s not just about the drones. Lincoln City’s full-day Fourth of July celebration at Taft Waterfront Park will feature live music starting at noon, food, festivities, and a welcoming family atmosphere. Then, as night falls, 200 glowing drones will rise above the bay, telling stories in the stars.

Know Before You Go:

📍 Where: Taft Waterfront Park, SW 51st Street
📅 When: July 4, 2025 | Live music begins at noon | Drone show begins at dusk
🚫 Important: Personal fireworks are prohibited on all public and private property in Lincoln City—including beaches, parks, streets, and backyards. Help keep the celebration safe and eco-friendly.

Let’s Make a New Kind of Noise

If you’ve never seen a drone show, this is the year to do it. It’s everything we love about the Fourth of July—lights, music, community—without the fear, the fallout, or the fire hazard. As someone who’s always loved a good fireworks display, I never thought I’d say this, but: I think I’m ready for something better.

Because lighting up the night shouldn’t mean lighting a fuse. Let’s celebrate smarter, quieter, and kinder—to the planet, to our pets, and to each other.

🔗 For more details, visit Explore Lincoln City’s official site.