MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- To celebrate a significant day in our nation's history, Milwaukee County is making a historic change of its own.
In just a few hours, Milwaukee’s lakefront will be surrounded by hundreds of lights. For the first time, the county will host a drone show to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Nearly 900 drones will be up in the air at some point Thursday night, July 3.
“We’re gonna start laying out the actual grid,” said Andy Ackmann, the COO of Northern Lights Drone Shows. “They’re not all going to fly at once but that’s the beauty. Wanna elongate the show so it’s gonna be a really nice experience for everyone coming down to the beach here.”
Carroll University students studying aviation, technology, and drone sciences will help light up drones across McKinley Beach for the 45-minute show.
“By the far the coolest event I’ve ever been given the honor of being a part of,” said Luke Mccaman, a Carroll University senior. “We’d like to eventually go into this kind of thing for a job.”
The show is expected to start shortly after sunset around 9:15.
“To do a drone show — one, yes it’s cheaper and yeah it’s not as loud but it’s something different and that’s what I think people should appreciate,” said Jack Johnson, a Carroll University junior.
Northern lights drone shows and Carroll University students say not only is this a cost, it’s a way to uniquely celebrate Milwaukee.
“So, it’s a lot safer for the environment and it’s a lot easier in the dogs maybe watching at home,” said Amy Adams, a Carroll University sophomore
“We’re representing things from Milwaukee up in the show. It’s not a firework show you can see everywhere else. This is a show for Milwaukee,” said Ackmann.