How Missoula's Fourth Of July Will Feature A 3D Drone Show

Missoula’s Fourth of July celebration is getting a high-tech upgrade.

After the City Council voted last week to restrict fireworks displays, the PaddleHeads have pivoted to a new plan. In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, the team announced they will host a professional patriotic 3D drone show on Friday, July 3rd, immediately following their game at Ogren Park Allegiance Field.

Some members of the city council had been concerned about having back-to-back fireworks displays, originally planned for both Friday and Saturday night. They worried about the impacts on not only pets, but veterans suffering with PTSD, and others that are more sensitive to noise.

The Paddlehead's lease for the park, including a new draft being developed, do allow the club to have fireworks displays.

Trying something different, but still fun

“The Show will go on,” PaddleHeads President Matt Ellis said. “After the City Council’s decision not to allow fireworks on two adjacent nights, we rolled up our sleeves and worked with the Mayor’s Office on an alternative. We found a solution to deliver two great nights of community entertainment celebrating America’s 250th."

"We are thankful to Big Sky Droneworks for working with us on such short notice and helping us find a solution. Our July 3rd and 4th celebrations will be a community-wide celebration designed to celebrate July 4th weekend safely and discourage illegal fireworks use in our neighborhoods.”

The original plan for a free community celebration in Silver Park will still go on as scheduled that evening, featuring the Big Sky Mudflaps. On Saturday, July 4th, the PaddleHeads will preserve the tradition of a community fireworks show following that night’s game.

Team officials say the revised lineup aims to celebrate the holiday safely while discouraging illegal fireworks use in local neighborhoods. For tickets and more information on the weekend’s events, visit gopaddleheads.com.