Timmins is preparing to illuminate the skies during its upcoming Canada Day celebration.
In partnership with the Timmins Community Park Association, the city is hosting the first drone show as the finale to an evening of music and treats at Gillies Lake for Canada Day.
The display is being run by North Star Drone Show, based out of Belleville, Ont. and consists of 100 drones in the air at one time.
The drone show is scheduled to commence at 10 p.m. on Monday. However, the evening's entertainment begins earlier, with music starting at 7 p.m. and cupcakes and cake available from 8:30 p.m. The McIntyre Coffee Shop and Bubbles Fries will be there for late dinners or a snack.
“Whether they want to have a little picnic, sit on a blanket or chairs, bring their family,” he said.
Organization committee member Mark Rogers said the switch from traditional fireworks to a drone show makes the event more pet and family friendly and helps avoid any possible cancellations.
“We were concerned about a fire ban, although where we’ve been canceled in the past, this year we’ve had a lot of rain,” he said. “Fireworks are very hard on a lot of dogs and animals, so that’s why we went that way.”
Rogers said people should remember that viewing the drones is similar to a traditional fireworks display, and getting a little distance can help bring it all together.
“For people watching the show, you don’t want to be right underneath them, so around the perimeter of Gillies Lake would be good, or back further than that,” he said. “If you’re right under the drones you don’t get the full effect.”
