Planning a Municipal July 4th or Holiday Drone Show
A procurement checklist for city and county events teams replacing or adding to fireworks.
Start early
Peak holiday dates book out first and complex approvals can take months. Begin market research in winter and issue your request for quotes in early spring at the latest.
Define the site and crowd
Identify a launch area clear of the audience, the main viewing areas, nearby airports and any power lines or tall structures. Estimate audience size — it shapes the fleet size and the safety plan.
Ask for procurement-ready evidence
Request the remote pilot certificate, §107.35 waiver, insurance certificate naming the city as additional insured, a public-event track record and references from other municipalities.
Plan for weather
Agree a backup date, a go/no-go decision time and the cancellation terms in writing. Communicate the backup plan to residents in advance.
Ready to compare providers?
Describe your project once and get quotes from suitable drone light show providers.