Drones are known as a way to seduce property buyers with aerial photography, as well as high-flying tools in dangerous search and rescue operations and even wildlife management.
But these unmanned aerial vehicles also can be programmed as fleets to create exciting visual displays. At theme parks such as Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, scores of Intel drones are used to create complex 3D animations in the sky and to create, in the words of the Dollywood marketers, “a symphony of light.” They’re synchronized with music. It’s a cool thing to see each summer.
Dollywood also uses fireworks but not when drought conditions in the fire-vulnerable Smoky Mountains make traditional pyrotechnics unsafe. There are other downsides to costly fireworks. For most dogs and some noise-sensitive humans, Independence Day is the worst day on the calendar and, of course, people lighting and watching fireworks suffer burns every year.
We do not advocate government coming for America’s long and proud tradition of fireworks. And drone shows require hefty budgets beyond a family having fun in their backyard. But in an era when wildfires are becoming more of a problem, communities should check out what renewable fun now can be had with drones.
At the end of the display, charred debris doesn’t fall on people’s heads or smolder in the grass. Drones just glide back to terra firma, all ready to delight for next year.
Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook
More Top Picks Slow Cooker
.Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].