As part of its shows, Cape May Aerial Advertising can launch drones off the beach. (Photo courtesy of Cape May Aerial Advertising)
A swarm of 200 drones took off from Ocean City’s Carey Stadium for what was supposed to be a spectacular light show to entertain the crowds on New Year’s Eve.
But barely after getting off the ground, the drones were forced to land after an unexpected burst of hail damaged or destroyed dozens of them, their operator said.
Ocean City officials were disappointed that the show was halted, but are already thinking of bringing drones back for more entertainment – whether it’s during New Year’s Eve or for other special events.
“It was really, really cool,” Dan Kelchner, director of Community Services for Ocean City, said of what he saw before the New Year’s Eve drone show was scrapped by bad weather. “We’ll look to incorporate more drone shows in the city eventually.”
Operated by Cape May Aerial Advertising, the drones were making their debut at Ocean City’s First Night celebration, a 32-year tradition featuring alcohol-free, family-friendly entertainment for New Year’s Eve.
Two drone shows had been scheduled at Ocean City High School’s Carey Stadium for 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. However, the 7:45 p.m. show was aborted by the bad weather and the one at 9:45 p.m. was canceled.
Kelchner explained that it was entirely the drone operator’s decision to cut the first show short and cancel the second.
“He monitored the weather and made the call,” Kelchner said.
"OCNJ" was one of the light displays that were planned for the Ocean City drone show on New Year's Eve. (Photo courtesy of Cape May Aerial Advertising)Controlled by computer programming, the drones were going to create a three-dimensional light show in the sky resembling some of the Jersey Shore’s best-known landmarks, including the beach and a lighthouse, as well as the initials "OCNJ" in tribute to Ocean City.
Jermonie Hunter, owner of Cape May Aerial Advertising, said the weather was initially clear, so he decided to launch the drones. But suddenly, there was a driving rain that abruptly turned into damaging hail.
“When we took off, it was a clear sky above. I could see the stars,” Hunter said of the weather before the hail began to fall.
Overall, 50 drones were damaged and 10 others destroyed, Hunter said. The drones are worth $1,200 each. Hunter noted that he plans to speak to his insurance carrier about the damage.
“No one got hurt. We live to fly another day,” he said of the experience.
Cape May Aerial Advertising, based in Middle Township, also operates the ubiquitous banner planes that fly over the beach communities in the summer while towing advertisements. The company was formerly known as Paramount Air Service.
