Not with a bang but a whimper: Lawrence drone show never takes off

With storms in the forecast for Wednesday, one might have thought the weather would be the biggest concern for the drone show planned for Lawrence’s Summerfest. Rather, apparent network issues rained on the crowd’s parade as the dozens of tiny flying machines never took to the sky.

The show was planned to start around 9:45 p.m., but that time came and went. Those in attendance started leaving in droves around 10:15.

Just as there was a glimmer of hope around 11 p.m. that the show might be getting back on track, emerging lightning and thunder brought the night to a definitive end.

The City of Lawrence opted to try a drone show this year following some outcry last year. The annual fireworks show was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds, which is relatively quite close to the Lawrence Humane Society. Many community members voiced concerns about the animals in the vicinity, though ultimately more than 20 volunteers joined with the shelter staff to help keep all the animals calm. But drone shows have gained popularity in recent years for a number of other reasons, too, including that the explosions can trigger trauma responses in war veterans.

Meanwhile, despite Lawrence ordinances banning fireworks within city limits, booms and bangs could be heard throughout the city Wednesday evening.

Neighboring communities of Eudora and Baldwin City still have firework shows coming up. See the details at this link.

Fortunately, there was more fun to be had during the daylit hours, and a rainbow drew many eyes to the sky.

August Rudisell (he/him) has been a photographer and videographer for The Lawrence Times since March 2021. He is a former dispatcher, he avidly consumes and creates local news, and he would love to meet your dog when out and about at a community event.

See more of his work for the Times here.

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