The towns of Carefree and Cave Creek will have an Independence Day show after all.
Instead of fireworks, 30 custom LED-lighted drones will hover some 300 feet in the air.
Wellness resort, Civana Carefree announced over the weekend that it would host a free "alternative" fireworks Fourth of July celebration.
"With the absence of the traditional fireworks show in Cave Creek, CIVANA Carefree...wanted to provide
residents a safe and entertaining alternative to fireworks as part of the July 4th tradition," the resort said in its announcement.
The Town of Cave Creek voted last month not to grant permits for fireworks due to the state's drought conditions and high risk of fire danger. Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, Prescott Valley and Show Low have canceled their fireworks for similar reasons.
Kevin Kelly, the resort's CEO, said his team came up with the idea last week, made a few calls to different companies, and then contacted the mayor.
"Well, they described it and they sent us a video and we said, "let's do it," said Carefree Mayor Les Peterson. Who knows, it could become an annual tradition, he said.
Firefly Drone Shows, a Detroit-based company, will have two 15-minute shows on July 4: one at 8:30 p.m. and the second at 9:15 p.m.
The drones will fly 300 feet in the air and can be seen from 2,000 feet away we're told.
The event and show are free. Parking will be by the resort's ballrooms, 37220 N Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ 85377, spokesperson Rianna Riego said. Those who eat at the resort will have "courtside" seats, she said.
If you're looking to see fireworks, we've got a list of 20+ fireworks displays happening around the Valley.
IF YOU GO:
Civana Carefree
37220 N Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ 85377
Time: 8:30 p.m. & 9:15 p.m.
Admission: Free
