IV Fairgrounds brings back Fourth of July drone show

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) - The sky above the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds will light up for America's 250th birthday.

The Independence Day Drone Show is a safer and quieter alternative to traditional fireworks, making it a family-friendly environment with music and local food vendors.

KYMA caught up with the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce board member Sher Cowie for a sneek peek at the preparations.

"This event started because we were looking at an environmentally friendly option to fireworks, but we were also taking into consideration the fact that we are a very pet friendly community, and we know that fireworks trigger them," Cowie said.

She noted that many animals get scared and run away on the Fourth of July due to fireworks.

Cowie also pointed to the large Veteran and service member population in the community when planning the show.

"We're taking into account our Veterans and the PTSD that some of them may suffer from.," she said.

This year's show will highlight the communities that helped shape the valley and pay homage to America's birthday.

"The nice part about a drone show is that you can tell a story, and so we are incorporating some of the things that are native to the Imperial County and we are also incorporating some elements that celebrate our 250 years," Cowie explained.

The show itself is getting some assistance from a few local teens. Imperial High School's Tigerbotics 8119 robotics team captain John-Paul Franco, Soleil Cuevas, a recent graduate of Central Union High School, and Pearl Gaytan, a recent graduate of Imperial High school, are working on the drine show this year.

She said there will be a few suprises, but you have to go watch the show to find out what those are.

The event got a big boost from its sponsors and partners including the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, AMR Reach, Southwest Security, and Imperial County Fire.

The event is free, however parking at the Fairgrounds is $10.

Grandstand seating is on a first come, first serve basis, but attendees are allowed to bring a lawn chair.