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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said on Tuesday they hope the Rose Bowl’s decision to swap fireworks for drones at this year’s annual Fourth of July will become permanent.
Last week, citing air quality concerns, the Rose Bowl Operating Company announced that its annual Independence Day event will forgo traditional fireworks in favor of a drone display.
In the letter, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman—who lives in Pasadena and was forced to evacuate during the recent Eaton Fire—highlighted the environmental and safety hazards posed by fireworks, including their role in sparking wildfires, polluting the air, and traumatizing animals and military veterans.
“Fireworks frighten birds out of their nests, send terrified dogs and cats running away from their homes, and start fires that can quickly turn devastating,” Reiman said in a statement. “PETA is celebrating the Rose Bowl’s kinder, greener Fourth of July celebration and urging organizers to keep Pasadena’s big party fireworks-free.”
PETA sent Rose Bowl CEO Jens Weiden a box of chocolate, vegan of course, thanking him and urging a permanent ban on fireworks at the iconic venue.
The decision comes on the heels of the Eaton Fire which decimated Altadena and burned homes in Pasadena killing 17 people, destroyed 9,000 structures and burned more than 14,000 acres.
The stadium has long held its annual firework show as part of AmericaFest on July 4. The show is recognized as one of the nation’s largest and longest running shows to celebrate America’s birthday.
In recent years the stadium has held a soccer match before AmericaFest.
However, instead of the annual fireworks show and soccer match, the Rose Bowl will host the FoodieLand Food Festival on the Fourth of July weekend. The festival is expected to bring over 200 food vendors to the stadium.
The event features an eclectic mix of multicultural eats, street food favorites, artisanal desserts, and refreshing beverages from around the world.
Attendees can indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights from soul food and fresh seafood to mouthwatering desserts and innovative fusion dishes. The event will also include cultural performances and interactive activities for all ages during the holiday weekend. The celebration will feature a special Independence Day drone display on Friday evening.
According to PETA, fireworks cause 19,500 fires annually in the U.S. that result in about $59 million in property damage. The group also emphasized the toll on animals and people with PTSD, noting that more pets go missing between July 4 and 6 than any other time of year.
The organization hopes the Rose Bowl’s shift to a quieter, cleaner celebration will inspire other cities and venues to follow suit.
“There’s no doubt that ditching fireworks is best for everyone. We hope your compassionate decision not to use them this year will be permanent and inspire other venues and cities to follow suit,” wrote Reiman.
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