In lieu of our traditional fireworks celebration, Dad and I decided to check out the highly anticipated Sunnyvale Drone Show at Baylands Park. Scheduled for 9:15 PM, this event marked Sunnyvale’s first Fourth of July fireworks-style celebration since the 1970s. As expected, the park was packed, with what seemed like upwards of a thousand people gathering to witness this modern twist on Independence Day festivities.
Needless to say, the Sunnyvale Drone Show turned out to be somewhat underwhelming. It started 15 minutes late, and when it finally began, the drones moved rather slowly, creating LED-inspired images in the sky for a mere 10 minutes before dispersing. The music, which was supposed to enhance the experience, was played too softly and failed to energize the crowd.
Despite the less-than-thrilling drone display, the evening wasn’t a complete loss. It’s been ages since I’ve attended such a large public event, and the atmosphere at Baylands Park was lively and welcoming. I enjoyed meeting new people and engaging in small talk with our lawn neighbors as we all counted down the minutes until the show began. It was a pleasant way to spend the evening, reconnecting with the community and soaking in the collective excitement.
Moreover, the park offered an unexpected bonus: a clear view of several other traditional fireworks celebrations happening in the vicinity. These “real” fireworks displays added a touch of the familiar magic to our night, filling the sky with vibrant colors and booming sounds that never fail to evoke a sense of wonder.
While the Sunnyvale Drone Show itself may not have lived up to the hype, the experience as a whole was still enjoyable. The blend of community spirit, casual conversations, and the unexpected fireworks in the distance made for a memorable Fourth of July.
PS: short piano cover of USA National Anthem: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9ApfviPBKI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
