With the Fourth of July weekend almost upon us, it’s likely that many are looking forward to backyard BBQs and extravagant fireworks. Although fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles, that hasn’t stopped some from lighting up their own sparklers or roman candles.

To provide northern San Fernando Valley residents a safer alternative while still keeping them entertained this weekend, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez has announced the Second Annual Drone Light Show and Festival at Hansen Dam, as well as the Third Annual Anonymous Fireworks Buyback Program.

“I’m excited to present the second Independence Day Drone Light Show Festival,” Rodriguez said. “I created this community event as a modern way to celebrate Independence Day without the dangers of traditional pyrotechnic fireworks. I look forward to another fun-filled festival with additional surprises for families to enjoy.”

Having its test run last year in the city of Los Angeles, the drone show is coming back to the northeast San Fernando Valley on Sunday, July 2. The show is being produced by Bluemedia, the company that also produced the Super Bowl LVI NFL Experience drone show.

Queen Nation, a live tribute to the band Queen, will be the headliner musical act, but other artists will be there, including Chicana soul and funk singer Maria Sanchez, DJ Les and Joyas Divinas del Valle.

Nearly a dozen vendors will be present, including The Midnight Hour, Mexicali Boutique, Mercado El Catrin, Lupita Art Shop and Custom Hot Wheelz.

The drone show is seen as a way to offset the environmental impacts of traditional fireworks — air pollution and endangering communities that are located in high or very high fire hazard severity zones — and reduce injury and distress to people and animals.

To help dimish the negative impact of fireworks, there will also be an anonymous fireworks buyback program on Saturday, July 1 in Mission Hills. A press release stated that through the  buyback program more than half a ton of fireworks were voluntarily turned in and removed from the streets.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and Police Department will be on hand to safely collect the fireworks.

The fireworks buyback program will take place at 15121 S. Brand Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The drone light show will begin at 11658 Foothill Blvd. at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Onsite parking will be open at 3 p.m.

To report people in your neighborhood using fireworks, go to https://www.mysafela.org/fireworks/.