RENTON, Wash. — The City of Renton announced Thursday it is ditching its annual Fourth of July celebration and instead will focus on Renton River Days.
The city said in a press release that it decided to cancel its Fourth of July fireworks celebration due to its environmental impacts, noise concerns and cost.
The city said it is instead directing its resources toward "events that truly serve Renton residents," like the 39th annual Renton River Days.
"Changes can be challenging, but we are confident this new approach will be exciting and contribute positively to the community's well-being and the protection of the city's natural surroundings," the city said.
On Friday, July 26, a light show featuring 200 drones will kick off the annual summer event.
The Renton River Days take place July 26-28 at Liberty Park and Cedar River Park with a parade on Saturday.
The city of SeaTac recently announced it was also moving away from a fireworks show on the Fourth of July and will instead use drones following a citizen complaint that sparked discussions about appropriate and legal uses of Angle Lake. The city of Des Moines also set off a drone light show last year, and the use of drones instead of fireworks has grown in popularity in recent years.
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