800 Drones To Light Up Columbia Lakefront For 250th Anniversary Celebration

COLUMBIA, MD — Hundreds of drones will light up the sky over the Columbia Lakefront Nov. 7 as Howard County celebrates America's 250th anniversary with live music, food trucks and a special tribute to local veterans and military families.

The free community celebration, part of the county's HoCo250 festivities, will feature 800 drones creating images in the night sky. The show will be produced by Sky Elements, a drone entertainment company that was a finalist on season 19 of "America's Got Talent."

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The event will be held Nov. 7 starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Columbia Lakefront, the same location where residents traditionally gather for the county's Fourth of July fireworks.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball's office is presenting the celebration in partnership with the Columbia Association and Howard County Recreation and Parks.

Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows do not produce smoke and generate significantly less noise, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative, organizers stated.

Two Tasty Treats And More food trucks will open at 4:30 p.m. to serve attendees. At 5 p.m., the Howard County Veterans Foundation will present a video celebrating the official opening of the Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Park. The tribute will recognize veterans, military families and the community members who support them.

Live music from Liquid A will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Ball is scheduled to deliver remarks around 7 p.m., followed by the 800-drone show over the lakefront.

The Columbia Lakefront pathway will close at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 to allow crews to prepare for the event. No road closures are planned.

There is no rain date. Residents are encouraged to follow Howard County Recreation and Parks on Facebook for weather updates and possible schedule changes.

For additional information, visit the Howard County Recreation and Parks drone show event page.