Indio plans drone show, polo grounds bash to celebrate Fourth of July

*Drones prepare for takeoff before a show. (Photo: Shutterstock)*

Indio will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence with its third annual Independence Day Bash on Saturday, July 4 at Empire Polo Grounds, where a dunk tank fundraiser will benefit the Indio Police Department’s Cadet Program.

The free, all-ages event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at the polo grounds and will include a food and beer garden, live performances, a free kids’ zone and a patriotic drone show at 9:30 p.m.

Dunk-a-Cop will give attendees the chance to dunk an Indio police officer for $1 per ball or $5 for seven balls, cash only with all proceeds benefiting the cadet program.

Jonathan Nicks, Indio’s new city manager, told the City Council on Wednesday that fireworks stands have been placed throughout the community, “Those will be sold by the nonprofits, and that’s starting on Sunday, June 28,” the city manager said. “So please participate in our drone show, but if you’d like some safe and sane fireworks, please purchase those from our nonprofits.”

Councilmember Glenn Miller echoed the safety message, and added that illegal fireworks pose risks to veterans, pets and property beyond the danger of fire, and carry fines that can rise to $5,000 for repeat violations.

Mayor Elaine Holmes encouraged residents to attend, “It’ll be a great evening with great food, great grounds and a great drone show, celebrating the 250th anniversary.”