Waynesboro: Drone show to replace annual fireworks at new GloW celebration

The City of Waynesboro will replace its annual summer fireworks with a drone light show created by more than 100 aerial devices.

Glow Waynesboro, or GloW for short, will take place July 12 on the banks of the South River at Constitution Park.

The event will include food trucks, live music and will conclude with the light show, presented by Airloom Drone Shows. The Crozet company has put together performances for William and Mary, Boar’s Head Resort and Swannanoa, to name a few.

The Skillbillys will perform from 7-9:30 p.m. and the light show will take place following the performance.

The City of Waynesboro announced the news today, saying the new GloW event will replace the Sunset Spectacular event, which replaced the two-day Extravaganza event offered at Ridgeview Park for decades.

The change was made due to environmental regulations after falling embers repeatedly singed the grass at Sunset Park. Because Sunset Park sits atop a former landfill, it is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection Quality. The fireworks show put the city at risk of permit violations and fines.

The city said it explored alternative launch sites, but none met the required “clear fall zone” for safety. The city did not say why the previous location at Ridgeview Park was no longer suitable.

“While fireworks may be missed, the city is confident that GloW will offer a new kind of excitement and enchantment for all ages,” read a release sent out today by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The aerial performance will take place over the open meadow at the South River Preserve ensuring both safety and spectacular viewing for attendees in Constitution Park.

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