Wilmington Riverfest to feature first ever drone show in NC instead of fireworks

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The very first drone show to be held in North Carolina is happening in Downtown Wilmington this October. 

This year’s annual Wilmington RiverFest will include a drone show on October 5th at 8:30 p.m. 

The drone show is a wildlife-friendly alternative to the typical fireworks displays during previous festivals. 

During the show, no boats will be allowed in the Cape Fear River from around Market St. to Grace St. 

Some residents like Charlotte Buckley like the idea, while others like Jerry Alvarado would prefer seeing fireworks.

“I like fireworks but it also bothers pets and so maybe the drones would be a good replacement for that,” Buckley said. “So, I want to see it and see how I compare them.”

“It makes sense to not have the actual real fireworks, while at the same time, I’m more of a traditionalist so having the actual fireworks versus the drone show, I think that’s better,” Alvarado said.

The drones will fly near the USS Battleship North Carolina.

Organizers say this will be the first-ever sky drone show to be held in the state of North Carolina.