No fireworks this Fourth on Peninsula

After a day of celebration, including the long-standing annual parade beginning at 10 a.m., visitors can head over to the Port of Redwood City in the evening for a drone light show starting at 9:30 p.m.

City staff and event hosts began reevaluating its fireworks show in recent years by looking at safety, environmental impacts, community well-being and cost, Deputy City Manager Jennifer Yamaguma said in a statement. Fireworks present serious risks, from fires to injuries to pets and people with sensory sensitivities, she said. 

“Drone shows offer a creative and patriotic experience without the risks associated with fireworks,” Yamaguma said. “They are fire safe, low noise and zero emission, making them more inclusive for our community.

The Redwood City fire and police departments have responded to “numerous fireworks-related incidents” over the years, Yamaguma said. Rising costs were also a factor. The drone show contract for this year’s celebration is $87,500, less than half of what last year’s fireworks show cost, which was $187,000. 

The decision to change the capstone celebration of the Fourth of July was not made lightly, Yamaguma said. 

“While the format may be different, the purpose remains the same — bringing the community together,” she said. “We believe the drone show offers a new kind of shared experience that is creative, family-friendly and aligned with our values of safety, inclusion and sustainability.” 

In Foster City, the year’s lack of fireworks display is due to ongoing construction of the city’s new Foster City Community Center. 

Earlier this year, the Foster City Council decided to cancel the fireworks show out of “an abundance of caution,” Mayor Stacy Jimenez said. The project means limited parking, reduced space for visitors to congregate, and an active construction site right near where over 20,000 people typically congregate for the show.

The city is still hosting celebrations through the day, including the Rotary Club pancake breakfast, live music performances, and the family and dog parade, but programming will end by 4 p.m.

Once the Foster City Community Center is completed, the council looks forward to welcoming the community back to celebrate the holiday. Jimenez shared her personal hope that the fireworks will return as well. 

“As a 22-year resident, the fireworks have always been a highlight of my year,” Jimenez said. “It’s a great time to have the community come together.” 

The nearest firework shows will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View and in San Francisco along the northern waterfront near Pier 39.