The full schedule has been released for the City of Ocala’s first-ever Fourth of July Celebration, which will feature live music, food trucks, activities, and a drone show.
The free event will take place on Thursday, July 4, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park, which is located at 829 NE Sanchez Avenue in Ocala.
Shortly after the Independence Day celebration begins, the Ocala Police Department Honor Guard will present the Colors (5:10 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.).
Local country music artist Noah Hunton will then take the stage for a performance (5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), followed by additional performances from Chris McNeil (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra (8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.).
The event will then culminate with a drone show by Sky Elements as the Ocala Symphony Orchestra provides musical accompaniment. The drone show is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., according to city officials.
During a recent Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting, those in attendance were shown a brief 45-second preview of the show, which will feature 300 drones.
In addition to the live entertainment and drone show, Patriotic Skies will include food trucks and a variety of activities for visitors, including inflatables, a rock wall, a mechanical gator, and photo opportunities.
The show will be orchestrated by Sky Elements, LLC, who was contracted by Ocala City Council members this past February. The company has conducted hundreds of drone light shows across the country over the past several years.
Earlier this month, the company received a “Golden Buzzer” for their drone show, advancing into the second round of the NBC talent show America’s Got Talent.
Over 10,000 visitors are expected to watch the event, according to city estimates.
According to the county, parking will be available for the event at various locations and shuttle services will be offered. Those will be located at the downtown parking garage, the Marion Technical Institute, the Marion County Courthouse parking, and the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center.
To access an interactive map for Patriotic Skies, which will include recommendations for where to best view the event, visit the City of Ocala’s Fourth of July event webpage.