Latest news with #droneShow
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sky Elements Sets Three New Guinness World Records
The nation's largest drone light show company achieves its 14th, 15th, and 16th Guinness World Records with Fourth of July weekend performances DALLAS, July 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sky Elements, the largest drone light show provider in the United States, made history this Independence Day weekend by successfully setting three new Guinness World Records. The records started the evening of July 3, when Sky Elements set a record for the largest aerial image of a cowboy hat formed by multi-rotors/drones at a show in Irving, Texas. On July 4th, Sky Elements executed an unprecedented coast-to-coast effort, flying the most live drone shows performed by different pilots in 24 hours with 25. Additionally, they flew the most live drone shows performed by different pilots in one hour with nine. "Our team's dedication and innovation led to us earning three more Guinness World Records," said Rick Boss, President and CEO of Sky Elements. "Their outstanding execution safely delivered spectacular shows to millions over the holiday weekend." The July 4 flights started at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, and the Sky Elements teams launched drone light shows nationwide from east to west over the following 24-hour period. This coast-to-coast effort showcased the company's industry-leading technology, creativity, safety initiatives, and commitment to redefining the future of entertainment. The record 25 shows were flown in Florida (Sarasota, Bal Harbour, Dover, and Surfside), Georgia (Camilla), Ohio (Columbus), Missouri (St. Louis), Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Tennessee (Nashville), Texas (Odessa), New Mexico (Los Alamos and Alamogordo), Arizona (Goodyear and Gilbert), California (Rancho Palos Verdes, San Fernando, San Pablo, Vallejo, San Jose, Irvine, and Napa), Oregon (Lincoln City and Tigard) and Washington (Airway Heights, and Des Moines). The nine cities in bold were the record for most in an hour. With each show, Sky Elements safely entertains and demonstrates the vast potential of drone light show technology by creating safe, spectacular, and environmentally friendly alternatives to fireworks. Their commitment to advancing the drone light show industry ensures they remain at the forefront of this exciting field, inspiring audiences and aspiring drone pilots. About Sky Elements Sky Elements is the largest provider of professional drone light shows in the U.S., delivering stunning aerial displays for events of all sizes, from major sporting events to corporate and community celebrations. With a top-tier in-house animation team, Sky Elements creates fully customized shows and is the first U.S. company to receive FAA approval for attaching pyrotechnics to drones, offering exclusive "fireworks on drones" experiences. Headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Sky Elements is committed to safety, innovation, and creativity, ensuring every show is memorable and secure. Discover more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sky Elements Drones Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Readers react to Milwaukee's first-ever drone show. How does it compare to fireworks?
For the first time since 2023, the Milwaukee lakefront was lit up for Independence Day — but not with fireworks this year. Crowds gathered around McKinley Beach to watch the city's first-ever drone show July 3. Last year, Milwaukee County canceled its annual event due to a lack of sponsorship funding. This June, the county announced it would swap the traditional fireworks for a drone show to reduce noise and air pollution. County leaders also said the drone show was $200,000 cheaper than a fireworks display. So, we asked and you answered: What did you think about Milwaukee's 2025 Fourth of July drone show? In response to our survey, the majority of readers said they want fireworks back and think the city should go that route in 2026. Those who responded shared a variety of reasons for disliking the drone show. Burns Halverson from Delafield responded with "I hated everything about it," calling the drown show "ridiculous" and a "clown act by Milwaukee." One reader from New Berlin said they need the noise from fireworks and couldn't find the drone show on television. Peter Salem from Milwaukee, who wants fireworks back, said the decision to eliminate the fireworks and lakefront celebration killed the vibe downtown. "On a weekend in which it should have been packed, it was quiet other than the Summerfest crowd," Salem said. The Milwaukee fireworks display typically draws over 100,000 people. Kent Cone from Milwaukee said the drone show was cool at first, but not as exciting as real fireworks. He said the city should return to a fireworks show because it's easy to lose interest in the quiet drone display. One Milwaukee reader said they didn't hate the drone show but thought it wasn't worth the time and effort to see, calling it underwhelming. "It had nothing to hold your attention, unless you were counting the ads," the reader said. "In my opinion it would have been a great show in 1955." Another reader from Milwaukee said they liked the lack of noise and debris, but wondered why the display was different — and less of a 3D experience — than the July 2024 Friends of Villa Terrace drone light show. One Wauwatosa native said fireworks are part of the Fourth of July and that Milwaukee should be able to find sponsors to put on a show. Jim Kiernan from Milwaukee responded that the drone show "was a fun and unique experience." He said he loved the local touches, including the moving art museum display, as well as the Statue of Liberty and bald eagle icons. "The possibilities and realities of drone (shows) are so much more than just fireworks," Kiernan said. "Anything is possible." Kiernan said he wished there was a tribute to Bob Uecker and thought an image of City Hall would make the cut. Another Milwaukee reader described the drone show as "much better and more interesting than I anticipated." The reader added that they would be fine with either a fireworks display or drone show in the future. Bea from Littleton, Colorado, said the drone show was something that Milwaukee should stick with next year. "I love the music instead of loud bangs," Bea said. "Also it is much more creative and interesting than traditional fireworks!" Some viewers took to social platforms Facebook and X to share their thoughts on the show. Ads for corporations like Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls and Bank of America littered the 45-minute drone show, prompting a negative response from some attendees. One reader who responded to our survey called the ads "tacky," and another said they shouldn't have been included in the show at all. While the future of next year's July 3 lakefront show is unclear, readers have made their thoughts — both positive and negative — about this year's display clear. Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What did viewers think of Milwaukee's first-ever drone show?
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee's Fourth of July drone show went without a bang. What did you think?
Under mostly clear skies, crowds gathered at McKinley Beach to watch Milwaukee's first-ever drone show July 3. Images long associated with the birth of the United States ― the date 1776, the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's head and, of course, the American flag ― transformed before viewers' eyes into iconic Milwaukee landmarks like the Hoan Bridge and American Family Field. Even the abandoned boat that took on peculiar local lore, Deep Thought, made a cameo in the sky. Now that you've experienced Milwaukee's lakefront drone show, what did you think? We want to hear from you. If the survey isn't working for you, click here or email neilbert@ In June, Milwaukee County opted to swap its long tradition of fireworks at McKinley Beach for a drone show, a decision made to reduce noise and air pollution, according to a press release from Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. County leaders said the 900 drones featured on the eve of Fourth of July was also $200,000 cheaper than the customary pyrotechnic shows enjoyed in prior years. Last year, Milwaukee County canceled its annual July 3 event due to a lack of sponsorship funding. The county's parks department previously shared that the fireworks display usually costs about $350,000 for pyrotechnics and $20,000 for additional staffing and service costs. The event typically draws more than 100,000 people. A Fourth of July wouldn't be complete without steaming hot dogs, popsicles and sandals, which filled the night sky. But like your favorite streaming show, ads for Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls and Bank of American also peppered the 45-minute spectacle. For some observers, the corporate sponsorships on display throughout the evening struck a specific chord. Others, still, focused on the inventiveness and seamlessness of the drone lights. And animals could rest easy without the erratic boom of fireworks, which can trigger a startle response in domestic and farm animals ― and in humans, too. When the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put out a non-scientific survey on the question of drones vs. fireworks for Milwaukee's July 3 lakefront Independence Day celebration last month, readers said they wouldn't miss the noise or debris generated from fireworks and were open-minded about giving the drone show a try. Many others said the Fourth wouldn't be the same without fireworks. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What did you think about Milwaukee's 2025 Fourth of July drone show?
The National
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Best photos of July 5: Fourth of July celebrations to Syria's new emblem
A Syrian woman takes a picture of the new national emblem of Syria, depicting an eagle inspired by ancient motifs at Palmyra carrying 14 feathers symbolising the country's 14 governorates and surmounted by three stars from the national flag, during a drone show at Ummayad Square in Damascus. AFP
CBS News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival honors July 4th with a hint of charm
Fireworks, live music, street activations, and an innovative drone show lit up Baltimore's skyline Friday night as residents gathered across the city to celebrate Independence Day with a uniquely local flair. From Inner Harbor to South Baltimore's Cherry Hill neighborhood, thousands turned out to mark the holiday with food, entertainment, and patriotic spirit. Among the standout events was the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival, which featured small business vendors, food trucks, and live performances, all leading up to the evening's grand finale. "This year, we not only have the fireworks display in the harbor, but we're also doing a drone show for the first time ever," said Linzy Jackson, director of the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment. "Everyone's involved, everyone feels like they're a part of it — and I think that's why we're seeing what we're seeing today." The drone display, produced in collaboration with the Cherry Hill festival, added a high-tech twist to the city's traditional pyrotechnics. It was part of a 10-minute show set to begin around 9 p.m., visible from various points across the city. Meanwhile, in Curtis Bay, local pyrotechnics company Image Engineering finalized preparations for the fireworks show. "Today we are taking what I designed in a software and putting it in place," said Zach Paul of Image Engineering. "It's such a large effect and so heavily seen and impactful. It's easy to leave an impression with people with fireworks." Emergency operations on standby City officials emphasized that the day's events were designed to be inclusive and safe. Emergency operations remained on standby, and multiple city agencies were on site to provide support. "The city is prepared," Jackson said. "We have our emergency operations open tonight. We have all of our agencies, all of our partners — we have enough coverage for everything and enough to do for everyone." Mayor Brandon Scott, who planned to attend the Cherry Hill festival, curated the evening's soundtrack alongside DJ No ID. The playlist, which accompanied the drone display, was a nod to the mayor's college days as a DJ at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Jackson encouraged residents to "grab your family, grab your friends, and come out and enjoy yourselves." With clear skies and temperatures in the 80s, Baltimoreans did just that.
