Last month, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved hosting a drone show celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett, who researched options for the event, recommended awarding a $39,500 contract to LunaLite Drone Show Technologies, of Sunrise, Fla., for a July 3 performance at the Putnam County Recreation Center (140 Recreation Park Rd., Eatonton).
Garrett said drone technology offered a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional fireworks displays.
“Fireworks, I think, are just not a responsible option or a very affordable option,” Garrett said. “Drones were a better path to take.”
According to Garrett, the show will feature approximately 500 drones creating various patriotic scenes in the sky and will last between 15 and 20 minutes. He said the package also includes the possibility of creating displays highlighting Putnam County’s unique history and identity.
“There’ll be nothing else like this, I think, in any of our lifetimes,” Garrett predicted. “So, I think it’s money well spent.”
Commissioners praised the proposal and its potential community impact.
“I think it’s a good idea,” District 4’s Jeff Wooten said. “The recreation department, that’s going to be a good wideopen space. Plenty of room for the food trucks and all the little entertainment stuff.”
Commission Chairman Bill Sharp echoed those sentiments after the vote.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “It’s certainly a lot less money than fireworks and a whole lot safer.”