Thousands of islanders came to see the first-ever Fourth of July techno-display by 200 drones. No one really knew what to expect, as it had never been done before, but we all knew it was going to be the most spectacular display over the gulf that we had ever witnessed. We came with portable chairs, bbq pits, igloos of beverages, and best of all fireworks in case the drones don’t make it (after all technical difficulties are a given:) Most were seated along the seawall by 8:30 as the show was to begin at 9:15. As soon as darkness descended, the locals brought out their best fireworks to share. That was a very good thing, as 9:15 came and went, as did 9:30 and 9:45. A cheerleader in the crowd started a chant “drone, drone, drone” as one lonely drone appeared over us, surveyed the crowd, and left. Still nothing but the fireworks we brought. Many with small children began to pack up and head home. I refused to give up because I knew technical difficulties were inevitable and there was another show scheduled for 10:30, so I could wait. Finally, a few minutes after ten, the first wave of lights rose up from the gulf waters. Reminiscent of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” there was a roar of approval from the crowd, then an awesome silence as the show began.

The peaceful and unusually quiet display was only broken by occasional cheers from the crowd as each artistic image was transformed as the drones moved swiftly into new positions. Each individual drone displayed its own colored light. When the drones assembled into new patriotic scenes, the silence was captivating after so many loud fireworks had exploded around us earlier. I was sad for the families that gave up and left too soon. They missed a show that I believe will be the wave of future fourths. So artistic, quiet, peaceful, and environmentally light-years above the fireworks of old.