On July 4, 2025, Sky Elements Drone Shows will illuminate the skies with 525 drones in Irving, Texas, attempting to create the largest aerial image of a cowboy hat, kicking off a bold Independence Day spectacle. The North Texas-based company, renowned for pushing drone entertainment boundaries, will also attempt a second world record on the same day: executing 26 drone shows in 26 U.S. cities within 24 hours, starting at 9:00 PM ET. Sky Elements is deploying cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety protocols to deliver these ambitious events, rebuilding confidence after a challenging incident last year.
Record-Breaking Drone Displays
In Irving’s Sparks and Stripes celebration, Sky Elements will deploy 525 drones to form a massive cowboy hat, a nod to Texas pride.
“We thought, what better way to show some Texas pride than with a giant cowboy hat in the sky?” said Preston Ward, chief pilot at Sky Elements.
The 13-minute show will feature precise choreography, with drones flying at altitudes up to 400 feet, controlled by advanced software to create dynamic 3D formations. The following day, the company’s attempt to stage 26 shows nationwide will test its logistical prowess, relying on a fleet of drones equipped with LED lights capable of producing 16 million color combinations for vibrant visuals.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
Sky Elements’ 2025 shows come after a December 2024 incident in Orlando, where malfunctioning drones injured a child, prompting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. The company was temporarily grounded but has since implemented rigorous safety upgrades…