RAPID CITY, SD- The night skies over Rapid City will light up in patriotic images this July with a state-of-the-art drone light show.

Rapid City’s America 250th Celebration Committee is hosting the drone show Thursday, July 2, one of several featured events of the “Real America Birthday Bash” scheduled July 1-5. The patriotic drone show will take place at dusk, culminating an evening of activities that includes a community parade and the first of a three-day downtown festival.

The committee has contracted with Sky Elements Drone Shows of Coppell, Texas. Sky Elements is touted as the largest drone light show provider in the United States. The show will include numerous patriotic images and will stage from the Rapid City Central football field with excellent nearby venues for viewing.

“Rapid City is going to have one of the best celebrations in the country,” said Ally Formanek, CEO of Visit Rapid City. “From the largest drone show in South Dakota to the intrinsic patriotism found here, we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to Rapid, where they’ll feel the heartbeat of the nation.”

The “Real America Birthday Bash” is a once-in-a-generation celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring events and activities throughout the year and highlighted by a string of events July 1-5. The July celebration will stage at Main Street Square, Memorial Park and the Sixth Street corridor between Main Street and Omaha Street.

“We are excited to host the patriotic drone show as part of our community celebration,” said Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. “Drone light shows are becoming a popular way to celebrate the holiday and this year’s show is a major anchor to several days of events and activities being scheduled in Rapid City for America’s 250th.”

Events during the July 1-5 celebration include the patriotic drone light show, a multi-day downtown festival, community parade, city fireworks display, concerts including Chancey Williams and Brandon Jones, vendors, kids activities, exhibits, marathon and tributes to service members.

To learn more about this summer’s “Real America Birthday Bash” events, visit www.realamericabirthdaybash.com or contact Visit Rapid City at 605-718-8484/800-487-3223.