Ahead of the United States’ 250th birthday, an Independence Day celebration and beach party was held at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center on Sunday, June 28, with a thousand synchronized drones that dazzled the crowd with a light show instead of the traditional fireworks.
This was the fifth annual event held in Lake View Terrace by Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez. The community received free entry to the aquatic center and could watch the light show either from their lawn chairs or while enjoying the large pool.
Thousands of people came out to watch the light show, filling the recreational area to capacity; those who couldn’t make it inside the aquatic center could watch the festivities from the nearby park.
“It’s so beautiful to see everyone coming to celebrate what was an experiment 250 years ago, which is the creation of this country,” Rodriguez said. “But this country is built and made on each and every one of us. … We the people dictate its future, and we write the future of this country, and as difficult as it’s been for our community, we will continue to persevere.”
The event began at 5 p.m., with a beach party with kids and families jumping into the pool. During the event, there were lunch trucks, an arts and crafts table for children and a DJ to keep the mood light. The light show didn’t start until after 9 p.m., when it became dark enough for the drones to really shine in the sky. It was a long wait, especially for those who came early to stake out a spot.
Like previous years, the drone show was impressive – choreographed to music, the drones formed several intricate displays, including a Native American rowing a canoe, Marlin and Dory from “Finding Nemo,” a pair of paragliders soaring over the Second LA Aqueduct in Sylmar and a family standing over the Independence Day message “Justice For All.”
The display that really excited the crowd and got the biggest round of applause of the night was that of famous artist Bad Bunny wearing a pava, or straw hat, while one of his songs, the Grammy Award-winning “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” played over the speakers.
For those who came at the start of the 5 p.m. event and waited for nightfall, the drone light show was too short – only 10 minutes long. Once the show was over, loud groans could be heard throughout the crowd who had hoped the light show would go on longer.
Drones rely on lithium-ion batteries that can provide about 10-15 minutes of flight time per show. Larger drone shows are typically done in intervals giving time to swap batteries, recharge and upload the flight paths.
Hazardous Fireworks
The drone show began five years ago, Rodriguez said, as a safer alternative to a fireworks display.
Fireworks, even those handled precisely by professional companies and pyrotechnicians, can be risky, especially during the peak summer fire season in California when a wildfire could start from a single spark. Consumer fireworks and illegal fireworks can cause severe bodily harm, including third-degree burns, lost limbs and permanent hearing or vision loss.
Even when fireworks go off without a hitch, there’s the issue of pollution. Smoke and heavy metals – including barium, strontium and copper compounds – are released into the air, which can irritate the lungs, trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
And the loud booming noise made by fireworks can cause distress for pets, local wildlife and military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Having a drone show with live music instead can avoid many of these issues. Aside from the cost of operating so many at once, drones don’t produce sparks, don’t cause pollution, are practically silent and can be programmed to form more complex displays than fireworks.
Summer Fun at Hansen Dam
This year’s drone show is over, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had at Hansen Dam.
The FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and starting today through July 5, the LA World Cup 26 Fan Zone will be bringing four days of activities and experiences to Lake View Terrace, as fans can join watch parties on massive screens.
However, unlike many public watch parties held in the San Fernando Valley and LA, you’ll have to pay to get in, so purchase your tickets online if you want to attend.
The aquatic center will be closed during the watch parties, but will re-open on Monday for normal hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center has the largest public swimming pool in the United States, with a 1.5-acre beach-style lagoon, water slides, a lake for fishing and paddling, and plenty of picnic areas.
The nearby lake is open for boating and fishing daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pedal boats are available for rent between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The cost is $8 for 30 minutes and $11 for an hour for adults between the ages of 18 and 49. For seniors, people with disabilities and children 17 years old and younger, it’s $6 for 30 minutes and $8 for an hour.
To purchase a ticket for the World Cup Fan Zone watch party, go to: