Following last year’s inaugural Ocean Beach Drone Fourth of July Show, event organizers are actively seeking funding to take another bite out of the apple in staging the second annual show in 2024.
“Skyworx, the drone operators, generously provided the show at no cost to establish themselves in the U.S. drone market and help Luminosity lay the groundwork for an annual event,” said Mike James, co-chair and founder of the Luminosity Steering Committee, a nonprofit created to stage the drone show. “Without the generosity of Skyworx, it would have been impossible to launch the inaugural event as a new organization.”
Environmental concerns from fireworks disturbing pets and wildlife, coupled with worsening structural problems with the deteriorating OB Pier from which fireworks were launched, necessitated finding an alternative site for an Independence Day show.
In 2024, James said Skyworx will need to charge $200 per drone for the show, noting that’s “significantly lower than the standard market rate” to support Luminosity. “They have also offered to extend the show to both July 4 and July 5 for the price of one night,” he added.
Emphasized James: “To maintain the quality of last year’s show with 300 drones, we require a budget of $60,000. We believe the success of last year’s show will facilitate raising funds through community support and local businesses’ generosity.”
The Luminosity Steering Committee received positive feedback on the pet and people-friendly show in 2023 which featured Ocean Beach icons, such as a surfer riding in a tube, the OB Bird, parrots, and a 300-foot whale, all choreographed to curated music.
Last year’s Ocean Beach Fourth of July Drone Light Show also garnered national attention as many communities in the United States are exploring moving to this eco-friendly alternative.
With more and more requests for drone light shows in 2024, Skyworx is requiring a deposit by April 15 to secure 300 drones for the OB show, said James, who urged everyone who enjoyed last year’s show, or plans to attend this year, to consider donating “Whether it’s $5 or $100, to easily raise the necessary funds.” James also called on merchants who would benefit from the influx of spectators on July 4 and 5, or who would see increased business due to positive local and national press, to become sponsors, ensuring the success of the event now and into the future.
A display of aerial artistry unfolded above Ocean Beach Elementary School on July 4, 2023, as a fleet of 300 drones took flight at 9:05 p.m. The inaugural OB Drone Light Show, with an accompanying soundtrack, captivated onlookers for 12 minutes with its patriotic designs and iconic formations, paying homage to the community.
The event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Luminosity, a local organization composed entirely of volunteers who poured countless hours into planning and executing the show. Originally intended to take off from Dog Beach, environmental concerns relating to nearby sensitive habitats prompted a swift relocation strategy. The final selection of the school was primarily driven by the desire to maximize viewership and accessibility.
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For sponsorship inquiries, contact Mel Roark, Luminosity’s fundraising chair, at [email protected]. Donations can be made at https://obluminosity.com/donations/. All donations made to Luminosity are in partnership with the nonprofit Peninsula Alliance.
