Instead of the usual fireworks, a battalion of drones will light up Lake Fairfax Park this summer for the Fairfax County Park Authority’s annual Independence Day celebration.
The park authority is planning its first-ever drone light show to put a unique spin on this year’s festivities in conjunction with the county’s ongoing recognition of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary.
“Hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky with music, motion and patriotic images that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Fairfax County’s role in our nation’s story,” the FCPA said in a press release announcing the event.
The Independence Day celebration will take place at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) in Reston on Saturday, June 27 from noon to 10 p.m. If there’s inclement weather, the event would be postponed by a day to Sunday, June 28.
The park doesn’t charge admission, but parking costs $20 per vehicle for an advance pass purchased online or $25 at the gate. Pedestrians and bicyclists can enter for free.
Like in previous years, the celebration will feature food trucks, family activities and live music in addition to the light show. Bands scheduled to perform include Reflex, The Sonic Boom and Herndon’s School of Rock.
While the shift might disappoint those who consider fireworks integral to the Fourth of July, the park authority notes that drones don’t leave any debris and offer a “sensory-friendly alternative” for people and pets sensitive to loud, erratic noises.
Laura Grape, director of the FCPA’s resource management and interpretation division, described the show as “a one-of-a-kind celebration” designed to honor America’s 250th anniversary. It’s being planned with the support of the Fairfax County Park Foundation and Fairfax County’s 250th Commission, which is organizing a range of celebratory events this year.
“The 250th anniversary is a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are and inspire the next generation,” Fairfax 250 Chair Liz Maurer said in the press release. “We’re proud to partner with the Park Authority and Park Foundation to bring this special celebration to Fairfax County.”
Local and state-led celebrations commemorating the country’s semiquincentennial have been underway for more than a year, leading up to the July 4 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Festivities have ranged from a traveling history museum and a statewide passport program encouraging residents to visit historical sites to the unveiling of a Revolutionary War-themed quarter and a line of limited-time craft drinks.
Other recently announced initiatives include a community-wide bingo organized by Fairfax County Public Library that launched on May 1 and a community picnic program supporting year-end picnics at local public and private elementary schools.
This Saturday’s McLean Day will include some patriotic touches, including a preview of the McLean Community Players’ upcoming production of “1776,” and the Town of Vienna will honor Col. Charles Broadwater — who represented Fairfax County at conventions leading up to the Revolutionary War and became the county’s first sheriff — on Sunday (May 17).
