Oglebay Festival of Lights Celebrates 40 Years with New Drone Show

OHIO COUNTY, WV — In just a few weeks, Oglebay will kick off its 40th annual Festival of Lights.

Santa will return to perform at more than 100 illuminated displays, a season that will last 2 months.

Then, Sky Elements, one of the world’s largest drone show companies and an ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist, will dazzle visitors with something new.

“Every year we try to do something different and unique,” said Rod Haley, executive vice president of the Wheeling Park Commission.

“This being our 40th year, of course we’ve upped our game a little bit. We moved to LED several years ago and then RGB, and this year we’ll be adding a lot to the show. “I think what’s really interesting is that we’re going to light it up with a drone show.”

That show will consist of more than 150 drones, all synchronized to Christmas music and themed formations.

Haley said it’s a must-see for families as they continue Christmas traditions like her own in Oglebay.

“You know, I started doing this when I was a little kid, and now I get to do it with my kids, and now my grandkids, so 40 years of this event is incredible,” he said.

Haley highlighted the large crowd they expect to see that will benefit the entire Ohio County.

“It’s not just good for Oglebay,” he said. “It’s good for the entire community because people come from all over. They eat, they sleep, they buy gas, they buy food, and that’s why it’s a great economic driver for the community.” the entire community.”

To cater to a wider audience, the drone show is not only limited to Light up Night, but will also be presented again on Saturday, November 9.

Light up Night will take place on the night of November 7th.