Foster City weighs alternatives to fireworks

“[Fireworks] can release a cocktail of air pollution into the atmosphere, contributing to poor air quality and health risks,” Maxwell Kwan, a member of the CSAS, said. “It can also lead to wildfires, building fires and accidents in dry or windy conditions, which can lead to uncontrollable fires.”  

The presentation also cited other negative impacts including the disturbance it causes wildlife, pets and people, especially those living with post-traumatic stress disorder. Drone shows, one of the three alternatives presented, have already been adopted during other events in several cities, such as Redwood City, San Francisco and Pleasanton, Kwan said. 

While Parks and Recreation Committee members acknowledged the social and environmental  consequences of current July Fourth celebrations, Parks and Recreation Director Derek Schweigart said the city’s immensely popular event might benefit from a hybrid of fireworks and a sustainable alternative to introduce residents in a less abrupt manner.

“There might even be a way to introduce this as part of an existing festival that we have where appropriate, and maybe it’s a taste of something like a water show, light show or laser show that could complement a firework show, even if it’s a small five- or 10-minute show, that introduces the community to that,” Schweigart said, also adding that Federal Aviation Administration regulations and municipal codes would need to be further researched before moving forward with laser and drone shows. 

For Frank Baer, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, not all of the options were equally entertaining, noting that his experience watching a drone show during a Fourth of July celebration in the Lake Tahoe area was underwhelming. 

“I completely relate to all the rationale presented and do not disagree with the rationale. The show itself was a big disappointment. We did not enjoy the alternative,” he said. 

Schweigart said firework displays cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per minute and estimated the city spent between $20,000 to $25,000 last year for fireworks. According to the presentation, quotes for some of the alternative options range anywhere from about $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the length of the show and how customized it would be.

The committee plans to present the information to the City Council once additional research has been conducted.