After successful inaugural show, Pilot Rock once again approves fireworks for New Years
By Griffin Beach on Friday, February 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PILOT ROCK – Following a successful inaugural display, the Pilot Rock City Council has greenlit the return of the New Year’s Eve fireworks show this year.
“They approved it, they didn’t even blink an eye this time,” said event organizer Zach Drettwan referring to questions the city council previously had and concerns about fire danger.
The event proceeded without incident and drew a significant crowd to the community.
Drettwan said they could view parking spaces all over the community filling up from their vantage point on the hill overlooking town. He also noted a visible line of traffic arriving from Pendleton in the hour before the show, with some spectators traveling from as far as the Tri-Cities area.
“From our view up there, there was not a parking spot available,” Drettwan said, adding that the local school reported selling out of cotton candy. “Everywhere I walk, everyone keeps saying it was a great show.”
The show featured a synchronized soundtrack via the Pyrocast app. According to Drettwan there were 180 users logged into the app during the show, adding that 35 users left reviews with all but two rated it four to five stars.
While the soundtrack leaned toward rock, Drettwan said they’re considering a country-oriented format for the upcoming show.
With plans for the next celebration already underway Drettwan hopes to grow the show, which could include widening the launch space, though he noted any expansion is contingent on fundraising efforts. The landowner of the launch site has already granted permission for next year’s event.
“We’re just glad it went off without a hitch and hoping for next year to be much bigger,” Drettwan said.
