Fireworks? Nah. Ocala has a different plan for the sky on the 4th of July.
The city of Ocala’s first aerial drone show, called “Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience,” is coming to Tuscawilla Park this year without a bang or a boom.
In fact , the spectators’ “oohs and aahs” reacting to the animated and colorful aerial show may be louder than any low buzzing sound made by 300 drones taking off for the Fourth of July show.
The park is located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave., and the July 4 event runs 5 to 10 p.m., with the free drone show expected around 9:30 p.m.
The show will be a “dazzling display of patriotism and creativity” as the drones “paint the sky with colors and shapes, creating a truly mesmerizing experience for all ages,” according to a press release from the city.
Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager with the city of Ocala’s Office of Strategic Engagement, said the Fourth of July event will include live entertainment, food trucks and a kids zone. The specific drone designs are not yet being released.
“The designs will be patriotic themed and embrace the spirit of America. We want spectators to be surprised and delighted by the lighted drones in the sky,” Dobbs wrote in an email.
City documents indicate Tuscawilla Park was selected for the drone show because the park offers a “secure launch area for the drones and multiple viewpoints throughout the park for attendees.”
The drone show is being put on by Sky Elements, LLC of North Richland Hills, Texas, which was selected over three other entries. The company will provide “a memorable, safe, and exciting patriotic event .. a 15-minute, 300-drone show as a modern and innovative alternative to a traditional fireworks display,” the city says.
The Ocala City Council approved a $71,415 payment for the show, according to city documents.
Tyler Jack with Sky Elements said during a phone interview that each one of the 300 drones in the Ocala show will be individually pre-programmed. He said a crew of up to a dozen people will prepare the 16 inch-by-16 inch drones and one pilot will control the fleet.
Jack said the drone designs will be formed up to 400 feet in the air.
“(The drones) can be made to form a waving flag,” he said as an example.
Jack said drone shows are increasing in popularity for reasons including: the “unique and exciting visuals,” environmentally friendliness and dearth of debris. The shows can be held in limited spaces and areas under burn bans; and persons with conditions like PTSD or noise sensitivity will not be affected by loud noises.
“Pets also can attend drone shows without getting scared or running away,” he stated.
Jack said Sky Elements has “the largest fleet” of any drone show company in the U.S. and has “flown 1,600 drones in one show.”
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala leaves fireworks behind, finds new way to celebrate Independence Day
