SAN DIEGO — If you see drones in the sky, don't be alarmed. Drones shows are a new way people are celebrating the Fourth of July.
Instead of traditional fireworks, drone shows are an up-and-coming spectacle that's more environmentally friendly and more quiet than fireworks.
Seth Clark is the founder of Drone Studios Light Shows. Drone Studios has done a number of shows in San Diego including in La Jolla for the Fourth of July last year, company and personal events, concerts, venues and more.
"We largely use our company to tell stories, to market brands to celebrate companies, to celebrate events, etc," Clark said. "But it's an alternative to fireworks that allows us to tell stories in the sky, rather than just having explosions."
One of the biggest differences between drone shows and fireworks is the environmental impact.
"In places like La Jolla there's a lot of pollution in the ocean from the fireworks so we can intro environmentally-friendly solutions that are reusable and not just one off uses," Clark said.
In addition, drones are quiet and usually synched to music. This makes a big difference for pets and people sensitive to loud noises. Also, for the seals at Seal Beach in La Jolla.
"There's no loud bangs for dogs and seals in the area," Clark said.
Another difference is drone shows are customizable and can be personal to different occasions.
"So we can write 'La Jolla', we can put American flags, we can reenact scenes from the past rather than just having explosions that kind of happen every year to kind of change the pace a little bit," Clark said.
Although both used for special occasions, Clark said fireworks and drone shows are so different that they're not always comparable.
"We're not trying to replace fireworks by any means," Clark said. "I think fireworks have their place and in a lot of times fireworks and drone shows work really well together."
Drone Studios has shows coming up in San Diego.
7/4- La Jolla Shores, 9 p.m. (best view from Kellog Park and Seal Beach)
7/5- Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 9 p.m.
7/6- Mission Bay Yacht Club, 9:15 p.m.
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