The City of Lawrence is doubling the number of drones for this year’s Summerfest, which will also include hands-on activities, live performances and local food and drink vendors.
The event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.
The Summerfest aerial display from Aerial Illuminations will feature 400 drones. The show will start after the Lawrence City Band performs.
The city in 2023 moved its annual fireworks show 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.
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The city first opted to go with a drone show rather than fireworks in 2024, but the drones never took off because of technical difficulties. But the company putting on the show, Lightyear Drones, gave the city a $30,000 credit toward the 2025 show, which went as planned. (Aerial Illuminations later acquired Lightyear Drones.)
There will be roaming and featured performances, including aerial from Sihka Ann Destroy, a giant bubble act from Jeff Rosenblatt, street magic by August Gilbreath, and Richard Renner as Uncle Sam on stilts. Ric Averill is the master of ceremonies for the fest.
Mainstage performers will include Making Movies, Kelley Hunt & The Five, Heavy Petty and The Yards before the city band takes the stage from 9 to 9:40 p.m. There will be acoustic sets in Building 21 at the fairgrounds.
People can also check out the Douglas County, Kansas Public Servants Past & Present Tribute Gallery in Building 21.
Summerfest is free and family-friendly. The event is rain or shine, but severe weather could affect the drone show and outdoor performances. The city will provide updates on the event at this link.
“This year’s celebration honors America’s 250th anniversary while also reflecting on a truly memorable summer in Lawrence, including our time shared with friends from Algeria and their World Cup team,” according to a city news release.
Find info on where to see fireworks or launch your own in Douglas County at this link.
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This post is by the Lawrence Times news team.
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