Two years ago, NBC News visited Gipsum, Colorado, to see its big move to drones for its fourth of July celebration. But this year, they're bringing back good old-fashioned fireworks. Drones just didn't cut it for the fourth of July.

Yeah, they left us wanting, I would say, and it didn't feel like America.

And they're not the only ones ditching drones, along with Gipsum, Parker, Colorado, Redondo Beach California and Galveston, Texas. Across the country, more towns are switching back.

Fireworks can capture attention and inspire awe like little else can.

They're fun.

Drones had been gaining in popularity. They're safer, easier to operate, and can do things fireworks just can't.

It really is a unique storytelling medium.

Rick Boss's company, Sky Elements, is behind some of the biggest and more innovative drone displays in the country. Are drones better than fireworks?

I would say they're different.

But fireworks fans say there's no competition.

Fireworks, they touch on all the senses.

Phil Grucci is the CEO of Fireworks by Grucci, America's first family of fireworks. In business since 1850, they've provided pyrotechnics for presidential inaugurations and the Olympics.

There's the sense of sight, the sense of smell, the sense of feel, and you hear it. And And drones, they cover one emotion, one sense is the eye, it's the vision.

Every show starts on the screen. How long does it take you to design something like that?

About an hour, a minute.

Then comes the set up. Is this the bigger version of a Roman candle?

It's pretty much a commercial version of what you can go buy at a local fireworks store.

But much more powerful. Yes. And when the sun sets, three, two, one, the show begins. But drones aren't going away, and now they're getting better with fireworks on drones.

They both can do some things that the other cannot do. It's why we really love them to come together.

This year, his company is testing new pyro drones that bring the best of both together. A new patriotic battle in the sky for the ooos and awe's of Americans. Valarie Castro, NBC News, New York..

Thanks for watching. Stay updated about breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media.