Fireworks remain council favorite but drone option considered; staff flags costs and limits

Council members and staff discussed whether the July 4 show should remain fireworks or switch, in whole or part, to a drone display. Staff said their drone-research showed companies now more available than in prior years but warned that price and technical constraints remain: one staff member said a typical drone show might be ‘‘16 minutes that includes flight time’’ and that companies charge more for larger fleets.

Several council members said the community still prefers fireworks: staff told the council the majority of survey respondents wanted fireworks over drones, though a small portion were open to a drone option. Staff flagged that a typical fireworks show cost McCall approximately $40,000 last year and that trimming the show could lower costs modestly; they also noted that some combinations (a shorter drone piece plus truncated fireworks) might be feasible. The council asked staff to get firm quotes and to evaluate whether splitting or shortening shows could reduce environmental or safety impacts.