Lincoln City Still Considering 4th of July Celebrations

At a December 1, 2025 special city council meeting the Lincoln City Council voted unanimously to forgo a contract with Sky Elements for a drone light show as part of this year’s Fourth of July celebration. The decision follows widespread community feedback expressing disappointment with last year’s drone event and a strong preference for the return of traditional fireworks.

Councilor Marcy Baker, who made the motion to drop the drone contract, cited a clear public sentiment: “I have been watching the community sentiments since the drone show… I overwhelmingly have not heard anyone begging for drones again.” Residents echoed that stance during the public comment period, with longtime community members voicing frustration over the drone show’s length, lack of excitement, and its perceived impact on tourism and local business.

The 250th anniversary of the United States this July was also brought up and citizens urged the city to celebrate with traditional fireworks. Councilors and staff discussed logistical hurdles for a fireworks display. Permitting at the city’s historical launch site remains complicated due to environmental protections for endangered species, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has expressed new concerns. Despite these challenges, alternative sites—including Devils Lake and the casino—were mentioned as possibilities for the upcoming town hall to consider.

The city will scheduled a town hall, on January 13, to further discuss options for Lincoln City’s Fourth of July celebration. Throughout the evening, voices in favor of rekindling the city’s traditional fireworks emphasized their importance to local businesses and Lincoln City’s economy. Dee, owner of Candyland Gifts, argued that fireworks have historically drawn thousands of visitors, supporting small businesses and lodging. “Last year, many customers expressed disappointment about the drone show and told us they might not return,” Dee said, citing concerns over lost tourism revenue and jobs. Owners of other longstanding establishments, along with several local residents, echoed these sentiments and stressed the importance of maintaining cherished traditions for families and future generations.

On the other side, several community members and association representatives voiced concerns about the social and environmental costs of fireworks. They cited harm to pets, wildlife, and veterans with PTSS, as well as fire risk and significant beach pollution. “Fireworks generate pollution in the form of plastic, gunpowder, heavy metals … they also impact air and water quality,” warned one resident. The Roads and Improvement Association presented survey findings showing a majority preference for improved drone shows over fireworks. The group called for a focus on public safety, environmental sustainability, and equitable celebrations across all neighborhoods, proposing that any fireworks occur in cooperation with existing shows hosted by the casino or homeowners associations.

Others urged city officials to address the problem of illegal fireworks, noting challenges for police and cleanup crews, and highlighted the unfairness of banning city fireworks while allowing them at nearby venues. The meeting concluded with calls for unity and creative problem-solving, with many community members urging the city to strike a balance that honors Lincoln City’s traditions while adapting to changing times and environmental realities. The city pledged to provide access to the meeting recording for those unable to attend and committed to ranking proposed actions based on public feedback.

City administrators are now tasked with preparing research on other fireworks vendors, permit logistics, alternative launch sites, and cost estimates for both fireworks and other potential displays. For now, the city has declined to proceed with the drone show, instead opting to gather more public input and explore a celebration more in tune with community tradition and expectations. Mayor Walke also pointed out that the time is growing short as many firework companies, or other drone companies, are already booked for 4th of July celebrations.