2025 Celebration to feature more drones, new location
With the theme of “Tigard through the Decades,” the City of Tigard will host the Annual Drone Show as part of its Fourth of July celebration at Cook Family Park.
The event will be held at 17005 S.W 92nd Ave., Tigard. Fourth of July activities begin at 6 p.m. at the park and the drone show will begin at 10 p.m.
The city promises an evening of community celebration, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular drone show to cap off the night. The venue has moved from last year’s location at Tigard High School.
“This is the first year the City of Tigard has fully run the Fourth of July event, taking over from dedicated community member and longtime event champion Ron Royse, who ran the event,” said Alex Richardson, management analyst with the City of Tigard. “We’re so grateful to Ron for running this annual tradition and are excited to see it evolve and grow.”
Royse, who was master of ceremonies at the Fourth of July event in Tigard for 36-years plus, concluded his duties last year – which, coincidentally, was the first year the city elected to replace fireworks with a drone show. The Tigard Fourth of July tradition had humble beginnings in 1970, when resident Joe Chamberlain began a neighborhood fireworks display near Walnut Street and 121st Avenue.
It will be the second Fourth of July drone show for Tigard. “Citing concerns about fires, loud noises scaring both people and pets and environmental concerns, the City Council agreed in February 2024 to host an inaugural drone show in lieu of the city’s traditional fireworks display,” Richardson said. “More than 10,000 community members attended the inaugural drone show.”
Advances in drone technology, combined with the environmentally friendly benefits of using drones, have made drone shows an increasingly popular alternative. Drones, for example, are quieter and don’t create smoke and pollution associated with fireworks.
From Salt Lake City to San Diego, drones have grown in popularity in recent years. While some may miss the old days of gunpowder-infused flashes and booms of traditional fireworks, drone shows have other advantages, in addition to being environmentally friendly. Drones are more suitable for sensory sensitivities, more pet-friendly, have reduced risk of fires, no after-event cleanup and offer dynamic storytelling. Due to the intricate patterns created by drones, drone shows are typically best viewed from specific angles.
Last year’s 12-minute drone show – while lacking the explosive, ear-rattling excitement of fireworks – wowed crowds with images of a waving American flag, a saluting soldier, a flying eagle, simulated military jet formations and giant “Thank You.”
This year’s drone show will reach 400 feet, “creating a spectacular display visible from approximately 300 to 2,000 feet away,” according to a city press release. The city recommends the best place to view the drone show will be within the boundaries of Cook Family Park.
The show will feature 250 drones this year, up from 200 last year, allowing for more detail in the design. “The theme for the drone show is ‘Tigard Through the Decades’ and the approximately 10-minute set will be accompanied by music and a narration of Tigard history, showcasing our community’s growth over the years,” said Richardson.
The city also promises a selection of family-friendly activities, including Dragon Theater (face painting and costumed characters), sack races, a dance party, music from past decades and more. The event will also feature a limited selection of food trucks offering food and beverages.
General parking will be available at Tigard High School, 9000 S.W. Durham Road, which is about half a mile from the event, and at Cook Family Park. The city says parking at Cook Family Park will be limited, and guests are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative transportation options such as walking, biking or carpooling to help ease congestion and ensure a smoother departure. Limited ADA parking will be available at Cook Family Park.
The new location at Cook Family Park provides amenities such as an inclusive playground, basketball and volleyball courts and accessible restrooms.
The city encourages visitors to bring lawn chairs, field activities, and outside food and drinks at the event.
“The drone show can only be viewed in its intended design and formation from within Cook Family Park, so while we encourage people to park at Tigard High, folks will need to come inside the park for the ‘VIP’ viewing experience,” Richardson said.
Tigard’s July 4th Celebration & Drone Show
When: Friday, July 4. Activities start at 6 p.m.; Drone Show (approximately ten minutes) at 10 p.m.
Where: Cook Family Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave, Tigard, OR 97224
Parking: Limited parking is available at Tigard High School, ADA accessible parking at Cook Park. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool
For additional information and last-minute updates, visit tigardlife.com/go/july4th
