The Town of Three Rivers will replace its traditional fireworks finale with a 100‑drone light show at the Montague Arts and Culture Festival on Aug. 1, a shift municipal officials say responds to concerns about animal welfare, noise sensitivity and environmental impacts.
Why the change
Town events and facilities co‑ordinator Jonathon Gardner said the idea came after an email from P.E.I. CARES — the Companion Animal Rescue Education Society — outlining the downsides of fireworks. The town concluded a drone show would be a more inclusive way to celebrate while remaining within budget.
"There were quite a few reasons why fireworks aren’t great for the environment and animals and people," Gardner said. "Originally, we thought it was going to be far too expensive as well.… After looking into it, it was mildly affordable and [we] thought it would be a really neat change."
The performance will use 100 illuminated drones to create animated images and patterns in the night sky, synchronised to music. Organisers also pointed to growing awareness that loud fireworks can trigger people with noise sensitivities, including those living with post‑traumatic stress disorder.
What organisers and advocates say
For municipal staff, the drone show offers multiple advantages: a reduction in airborne debris, lower risk of accidental fires and a controllable audio‑visual experience. For animal advocates, the quieter and cleaner display reduces stress on domestic pets and wildlife.
Local animal welfare groups have long campaigned for alternatives to pyrotechnics, citing risks to livestock, pets and nesting birds, and the contamination left by spent fireworks. The Three Rivers pilot is being watched closely by other communities on the Island considering similar moves.
Practical details for festivalgoers
- Event: Montague Arts and Culture Festival
- Date: Aug. 1
- Feature performer: Lennie Gallant
- Night spectacle: 100‑drone light show synchronised to music
Organisers advise attendees to arrive early for parking and seating, and to be aware the drone performance will be concentrated in a single, choreographed segment after dusk.
How drone shows compare to fireworks
Officials say drone shows are more predictable and can be designed to be less disruptive. The following simple table summarises some of the contrasts driving the town’s decision.
| Fireworks | Drone show | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | High; can trigger animals and people with noise sensitivities | Low; light‑based with synchronised music |
| Debris | Spent casings and chemical residues | Minimal; reusable equipment operated from controlled areas |
| Fire risk | Elevated, especially in dry conditions | Lower; aerial units are electric and programmable |
| Cost | Variable; often seen as cheaper upfront | Historically higher but becoming more affordable |
Community reaction and next steps
Reaction among Islanders has been mixed in other jurisdictions where drones have been trialled: some people appreciate the quieter, modern spectacle, while others miss the traditional boom and sparkle of fireworks. The Town of Three Rivers framed the move as a trial that could inform future festival planning.
Organisers emphasised they are monitoring the pilot closely. If the drone show meets expectations for crowd enjoyment, safety and cost, the town could consider similar events in coming seasons or share lessons with other Island municipalities considering alternatives to pyrotechnics.
For now, Montague residents and visitors will be able to judge the new format for themselves on Aug. 1 when the lights go up and the drones take their place in the night sky, offering a different kind of summer spectacle for Prince Edward Island.
