Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1.
(Note: The Parks Division of the Public Lands Department cannot assist in emergencies.)
Non-Emergencies: Call Dispatch at 801-799-3000.
Lost & Found: For found items, please hand the item to onsite parks staff.
For lost items, email [email protected].
Welcome to Salt Lake City’s America 250 Drone Show Digital Program!
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a spectacular drone show at Jordan Park, on July 3rd at 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 PM. Our innovative show features 500 drones creating stunning visuals in the night sky, each with a unique story and meaning.
We’ll also have live music leading up to the show:
Racoon Rodeo: 8-8:45 PM
The Fox Brothers: 9-10 PM
This digital program is designed to enhance your experience by providing detailed descriptions and the significance of each image you’ll see during the show. As you explore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the local & historical themes represented in our dazzling aerial display.
We hope you enjoy the show and find this program insightful. Thank you for being part of our celebration!
1. America 250
Kicking off our show with the America 250
2. Indigenous Star
The Indigenous Star symbolizes hope and guidance, inspiring us to embrace new beginnings and be hopeful for the future. It also represents protection and comfort, offering strength during challenging times. The star is a beautiful tribute to the resilience, spirit, and vibrant identity of Indigenous peoples.
The Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake invites you to learn more by visiting their website.
3. Declaration of Independence
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This image represents John Hancock signing the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. It officially proclaimed that the thirteen American colonies were establishing themselves as a new nation.
4. Boston Tea Party
In 1773, during the American Revolution, American colonists were frustrated by British taxation without representation, so they boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water.
5. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman and her lantern. Tubman escaped slavery in 1849 and dedicated her life to rescuing enslaved people using the Underground Railroad.
6. Emancipation Day Symbolism
June 19 celebrates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, TX to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all enslaved people.
7. Golden Spike
The first transcontinental railroad – 1,912 mile continuous track connecting the eastern U.S. with the Pacific coast – was completed on May 10, 1869. A ceremonial “Golden Spike” was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah to mark the completion.
8. Invention of the Lightbulb
On Oct. 22, 1879 in New Jersey, Thomas Edison tested carbon filament that glowed for 13 hours, leading to the creation of the first long-lasting, commercially viable light bulb.
9. First in Flight – Wright Brothers
Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted the world’s first controlled flight of an engine-powered aircraft on Dec. 17, 1903. The flight lasted 12 seconds.
10. Building a skyscraper
The famous photograph, “Lunch atop a Skyscraper,” shows ironworkers taking a break on a steal beam of the RCA building 850 feet above ground. As part of a promotional photo shoot taken New York City in 1932, some images show the iconic Empire State building in the background.
11. Rosie the Riveter
American women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers during WWII, encouraged by such icons as “Rosie the Riveter” to contribute to the wartime economy through manufacturing.
12. Flag Raising at Iwo Jima
The story of the flag raising at Iwo Jima is synonymous with American determination and persistence. Despite the weathering of the Pacific War, the raising of the American flag on Feb. 23, 1945, rallied tired troops.
13. MLK
Martin Luther King, Jr. at the March on Washington, Aug. 8, 1963. King spoke to a crowd of over 260,000 people, sharing his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he says, “we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. . . .”
14. Freedom of Speech
As a part of the “five guaranteed freedoms” associated with the first amendment, citizens are promised the right to freedom of speech.This promises freedom to speak out and protest your government.
15. John Wayne
“Wild West” history and outlaw folklore are cherished in the Western U.S., an era which is showcased through “western” themed media, such as movies and television. John Wayne became an icon during this era.
16. National Parks
The establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 began a nation-wide era of land appreciation and preservation. Over time, as more natural land areas became established public parks, congress created the National Park Service to care for the nation’s protected natural land and outdoor spaces.
Smokey The Bear is the star of one of the longest-running PSA campaigns in American History. Created in 1944, Smoky’s catchphrase reminds us that we all share responsibility in protecting the environment.
“Only YOU can prevent wildfires!”
17. Right to Vote
Approved in 2013, the ability to vote by mail in Utah increased accessibility and ease of vote casting. It allows voters proper time to research their decisions and participate in elections from the comfort of their home.
Free and fair elections are a principal of American democracy. Through the power of voting, we can have our voice heard in our government.
18. The Roaring 20s
A vibrant time in American history– the “roaring twenties” of the 1920’s was an era of development, social change, and celebrate today.
19. Elvis
Elvis Presley, the American superstar, left an incredible contribution to the world’s music and entertainment catalog. Through novelty, dancing, costumes, and performance. Elvis lives on as a musical icon.
20. Barbie
Debuted on March 9, 1959 at the American Toy fair in New York City, Barbie has left a profound mark in the cultural and social realms of our country.
21. Michael Jackson
The cultural impact left by Michael Jackson has surpassed that of most other music legends. Known as “The King of Pop”. Jackson’s album, Thriller broke the record for number of Grammys awarded in one night, with 8 wins.
22. Olympic Podium
In 1904, the United States hosted its first Olympic Games in St. Louis, MO. These games marked the first time the gold, silver, and bronze medal system was used.
Utah will be the home of the 2034 winter Olympic games– the second time the state has hosted.
23. Miracle on Ice
During the height of the Cold War, as one of the greatest upsets in sports history, the US men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Games.
The underdog victory provided a much-needed morale boost for a weary American public during the Cold War.
24. American Baseball
Babe Ruth, otherwise known as the “Sultan of Swat,” and “The Bambino” is the most prolific power-hitter in New York Yankee history. Ruth used some of the heaviest bats in baseball history and in 1927, hit an incredible 60 home runs in a single season.
25. American Football
An American classic, football has undoubtably become the country’s sport of choice and continually dominates US sports media. Each year, the Superbowl brings together millions of people at home, at celebrations, and in the stadium.
26. First Nasa Moon Landing
Neil Armstrong’s famous words upon reaching the moon in 1969 were “that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” These words speak to the uniting nature of spaceflight and the pursuit of science beyond our planet.
27. Artemis II
Artemis II, the first crewed flight beyond low earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972, was a flyby of the moon. The historic mission launched April 1, 2026, and sent astronauts deeper into space than any human being has ever been.
28. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty remains a shining beacon of American hope in the modern world. At over 304 feet tall, the copper statue weighs roughly 560,000 pounds. Sent as a gift from France, the statue was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886, and serves as a welcoming beacon for all who hope to make America their home.
29. Happy 4th of July
Happy 4th of July! Celebrate safely and take a moment to reflect on the past, present and future of this country. What do you hope to see?
30. Sego Lily Logo
Salt Lake City’s official flower– the Sego Lily.
Thank you for joining us at the Salt Lake City Drone Show. We hope this program has enriched your experience. We’re always looking to improve and would love to hear your ideas for next year’s show. Please let us know what images you would like to see!