What's Happening in Tigard, OR…

This Fourth of July, the city of Tigard will have drones lighting up the sky in lieu of the annual fireworks display.

News of such changes to annual events is often disseminated throughout a city with poster printing.

A drone company will be hired to provide a performance where attendees will be able to see the display at Tigard High School, rather than at Cook Park. This will eliminate some complaints about noise and reduce concerns about dry weather, which can often be the cause of fires during such events.

Steve Rymer, city manager, said that a typical drone show lasts between 10 and 12 minutes, whereas the fireworks portion of the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration by Tigard typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes.

Rymer added that a drone show needs a different location and angles as it faces one way, such that the high school is a better venue for a display with its addition of seating. He also said the audio will be important, as the experience is elevated when music accompanies displays like these.

The expected cost for this show is $80,000, as the planned 200 drones cost $400 each. The transient lodging tax of the city will be used to pay for this event in addition to $18,000 funding from the city and a supplemental budget request from Rymer.