OCALA, Fla. (June 13, 2024) – The City of Ocala, in partnership with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, will host ‘Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience’ on Thursday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park, located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave.
This inaugural event will replace traditional fireworks with a stunning drone light show led by Sky Elements (recently seen on the current season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent), creating a unique and memorable celebration. Attendees will be captivated by the drones forming patriotic images in the night sky, set against the beautiful backdrop of Tuscawilla Park.
This event is open to the public and free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: The College of Central Florida, Elite Medical, Florida Blue, Fun 4 Ocala Kids, The Martial Arts Center, Ocala’s Classic Hits 104.7 - WITG, Ocala Electric Utility, R+L Global Logistics, Sunbelt Rentals, and TJM Promotions.
Event Schedule:
- 5 p.m. – Event Starts
- 5:10 – 5:20 p.m. – Presentation of the Colors by the Ocala Police Department Honor Guard
- 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Performance by Noah Hunton
- 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – Performance by Chris McNeil
- 8:45 – 9:45 p.m. – Performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra
- 9:30 – 9:45 p.m. – Drone show by Sky Elements accompanied by music from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra
All performances will be simulcast through Ocala’s Classic Hits – WITG Radio on 104.7 FM. Listeners can also download the WITG application at the following links:
In addition, the event will feature various entertainment options:
- All-American Kids’ Zone: Free activities such as bouncy houses, a rock wall, and a mechanical alligator. Face painting will also be available for a fee.
- Cool Zone: Designated area to enjoy cooling mist to help regulate body temperatures.
- Photo Opportunities
- Food Trucks: A variety of food options, including Country Boyz BBQ, The Krafty Kettle, Best Food Ever, Junkie Fries, Brick & Ember, Royal Hibachi, Dancing Empanada, and Kona Ice.
Parking and Shuttle Information:
Free shuttle rides will be available at four parking lots from 4 to 11 p.m.:
- E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.) – The shuttle drops off at the Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) and runs every 20 minutes.
- Marion County Parking Facility (346 NW 2nd St.) – The shuttle drops off at the Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) and runs every 15 minutes.
- Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) – The shuttle drops off at the intersection of NE Eighth Ave. and NE Fourth St. and runs every 40 minutes.
- Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Ave.) – The shuttle drops off at the intersection of NE Eighth Ave. and NE Fourth St. and runs every 15 minutes.
Shuttles from Marion Technical Institute and E.D. Croskey Recreation Center will be Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessible. Additional ADA parking will be available at the Reilly Arts Center (500 NE Ninth St) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, as seating will not be provided. Please note that personal drones, tents, and alcohol are strictly prohibited at this event.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517 or visit www.ocalafl.gov/julyfourth.
