Massive Drone Show, Festival To Pack Haverford Twp; And Put A Strain On Local Parking

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — With a full-day festival and drone show are expected to pack Haverford Township, local officials are asking attendees not to drive there, if possible.

The Illumination 250 Festival begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, finishing around 9 p.m. with a drone show at the Haverford High School football field.

Parking will be limited, so township officials are asking people to find other ways to get there.

"We expect this to be a very popular event!" the Township said on social media. "If at all possible, please walk, ride your bike, take public transit (for the high speed line, get off at Beechwood station and walk up Mill Rd) or use Uber/Lyft."

Here's the parking situation:

Free lots

• Grace Chapel Lot — 1 W. Eagle Road
• HTSD Administration — 50 E. Eagle Road
• Haverford Middle School — 1701 Darby Road
• Haverford High School — 200 Mill Road
• HT Municipal Building — 1014 Darby Road
• Chatham Park School — 400 Allston Road

Metered spots (2-hour limit with fees until 6 p.m.)

• West Benedict/Oakmont South Lot — across from 13 W. Benedict Ave.
• Oakmont Lot — across from 2400 Darby Road
• Old Township Building Lot — 2325 W. Darby Road
• Brookline Lot — 53 Brookline Blvd.

Free, but only available after 5 p.m.

• YMCA — 891 N. Eagle Road

See more info below:

Parking on residential streets will be discouraged. But if you do, be mindful of parking restrictions and don't block driveways, officials said.

The free event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. Festivities will include live music, food trucks, local vendors, a craft village, historical characters and children's activities.

It will culminate with a nighttime drone show.

"We understand that an event of this size can have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation," the Township said. "We also hope you’ll come out and join your friends and neighbors for what should be a memorable celebration for our entire community."