A shift towards drone shows and away from firework displays is being seen across the country as communities announce their upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Sahuarita will mirror this change as it combines traditional fireworks with new-age drones in its Stars and Stripes celebration Friday evening.
“We’re excited that we’re not going to have to wrestle so much with property locations, fire restrictions and fallout zones,†said Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Director Devin Stalder.
The decision for the switch was made in the fall of last year after struggling with where to put the fireworks last Fourth of July.
“We did not have a good shot location,†Stalder said. “Last year, where we had our Stars and Stripes event was about a mile and a half from where we shot the fireworks, so we had a community that was frustrated with the show.â€
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As Sahuarita continues to develop and grow in population, Stalder said safe, clear locations have been harder to come by fit for firework shows, which begged the need for a new idea.
“We kind of circled the wagons just understanding the constraints we had,†he said. “This is the year we try to find that long-term solution, and I think this is going to be a fun change.â€
This year’s show will feature a drone display, mounted pyrotechnics, where small fireworks and sparklers will be attached to drones, and ground pyrotechnics, which are fireworks designed to function on the ground rather than be launched into the air.
“I think that’s kind of exciting and that’s the temperature I’ve been getting from people as well,†Stalder said.
An assortment of Fourth of July celebrations are planned Friday across Pima County. The show in Sahuarita is the only local event that will mostly feature drones.
Usually, Sahuarita spends about $50K to $60K for their Stars and Stripes show, however the change will save the town some money as Stalder estimates this show will cost about $45,000.
“They’re highly efficient,†he said. “We had a great relationship with the company Open Sky Drone Productions, and to my understanding were the first organization to utilize their services and have a drone show in southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ for Fiesta Sahuarita in April of 2023.â€
The event will take place at Anamax Park, 17501 S Camino De Las Quintas, however the drones can be seen up to three miles away, Stalder said. Those who want to see the smaller fireworks display, however, will need to attend the event.
Families can enjoy food trucks, the splash pad and games starting at 5 p.m. The Stars and Stripes show will begin at 9 p.m.
There is a 60% chance of rain Friday across Pima County, however the show is still currently scheduled as planned.
Fireworks shows in Pima County
- City of Tucson’s 4th of July Celebration
The city will be launching fireworks from “A†Mountain for their 28th annual Fourth of July celebration.
When: Friday, July 4; parking lot opens at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Tucson Convention Center’s west-side parking lot, 260 S. Church Ave., and neighboring areas
Visit  for more information.
- Red, White, and Zoo at Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo will be offering a special discount this Fourth of July with free admission for active military, veterans, National Guard and retired military members (with military, VA or retiree ID).
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E Zoo Ct.
Visit  for more information.
- Mt. Lemmon Fourth of July Parade and Performance
Take a trip up for cooler weather on Mt. Lemmon and watch a performance by the Tucson Concert Band before catching the fireworks later in the evening.
When: 10:45 a.m. to noon, Friday, July 4
Where: Summerhaven Community Center, 12949 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
Visit tucne.ws/1sk8 for more information.
- Oro Valley July 4th Celebration
Keep the family entertained with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids crafts, lawn games and jumping castles in Oro Valley. The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will also have reduced admission rates from noon to 5 p.m. to celebrate the holiday ($1 for children, $3 for adults).
When: Thursday, July 4; events and activities start at 5 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Visit for more information.
- Star-Spangled Spectacular
Families can enjoy a car show, splash pad, field games, inflatables, vendors, exhibitors, creation station for kids and more at Marana’s annual Star-Spangled Spectacular.
When: Thursday, July 4; events and activities start at 5 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Where: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N Silverbell Rd.
Visit for more information.
- Diamonds in the Sky
Tucsonans can enjoy all American favorites, baseball and fireworks, this Independence Day at Kino Sports Stadium. The annual Diamonds in the Sky game will feature the Sun Belt College League All-Star Team and Old Pueblo Tribes.
When: Thursday, July 4; first pitch at 6:30, fireworks start after the game
Where: Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way
Visit for more information.
- July 4th w/ Gertie and the T. O. Boyz
The MSA Annex will host Gertie and the T.O. Boyz for a pre-firework event in Tucson’s westside. Families can enjoy live music and 12+ food trucks and vendors before watching the City of Tucson’s 28th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. There is a parking fee in the Mercado District lots, but no other entry fees.
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento
Visit for more information.
- Fireworks at Casino Del Sol
Casino Del Sol will pair its annual fireworks display with its 31st anniversary celebration the day before the holiday.
When: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, July 3
Where: Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre, 5655 W Valencia Rd
Visit for more information.
- Forty Niner Red, White and Boom
Forty Niner Country Club will host its eighth annual fireworks show almost a week out from the fourth. The event will feature water slides, face painting, live music, food and more.
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E Tanque Verde Rd
Cost: $30 for kids, $48 for adults, $135 for family of four pack
Visit for more information.
