As cities across the nation shift from traditional pyrotechnics to drones for their Fourth of July festivities, Houston is holding onto its explosive traditions. Despite the environmental push, Houston and several Texas cities have elected to stick with conventional fireworks shows, perhaps viewing the familiar bangs and colors as integral to the celebration of Independence Day. The Houston area will continue to feature booming spectacles, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Chris Houston of Pooter’s Fireworks encapsulated the sentiment, “You don’t get the bang, you don’t get the smell, it’s silent. Fireworks aren’t going anywhere, (they) smell like freedom.”