CLAYTON, Ga. — A patriotic drone light show illuminated the night sky above downtown Clayton July 1 as the inaugural Stars Over Clayton celebration brought together families, local vendors and community organizations to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The free event, organized by the Clayton Merchants & Business Association (CMBA) in partnership with the City of Clayton, began at 6 p.m. with food trucks, community booths, live music from a DJ, children’s activities and local vendors before culminating in a drone light show that began shortly after 9:30 p.m.
The park was overflowing with revelers as the CMBA reported between 1,500 and 2,00 people in attendance for the inaugural event.
The aerial display featured patriotic imagery, including the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell and the state of Georgia, lighting up the night sky above downtown Clayton.
Mayor Roy Quilliams welcomed the crowd before the show, calling it the first of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
“You’re about to see the first annual Stars Over Clayton drone show,” Quilliams said.
The mayor also highlighted ongoing and future improvements to the city’s park, including a trail currently under construction and proposed additions such as a splash pad and dog park.
CMBA President Sonya Shook thanked the community and the event’s sponsors for helping make the celebration possible.
“Happy 250 USA. Thanks for everybody coming out,” Shook said. “Thanks to our sponsors. This is a wonderful event for everybody.”
She also encouraged attendees to support future downtown events, including the association’s next block party scheduled for Aug. 8 on Main Street.
The celebration featured a variety of vendors and activities for all ages. Families enjoyed games, crafts and food while visitors browsed booths and spent time in downtown Clayton before the evening concluded with the synchronized drone light show.
Ahead of the event, CMBA Secretary Kayla Flaherty said organizers intentionally chose a drone show instead of a traditional fireworks display to offer something different from the numerous Independence Day fireworks celebrations already held around Rabun County’s lakes.
“We wanted to bring people to downtown Clayton while they’re in town enjoying the lakes, but not compete with the July Fourth weekend events,” Flaherty said. “We want to bring people in to see Clayton, spend money at our local businesses and support our local businesses.”
Flaherty said the event was designed not only to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial but also to encourage visitors to explore downtown shops, restaurants and galleries.
“When any business is doing well in Clayton, Clayton wins,” she said. “Bringing people downtown encourages business growth and strengthens the community, and that’s our goal as the CMBA.”
Organizers hope Stars Over Clayton becomes an annual tradition that continues to attract visitors while showcasing downtown Clayton.
“The biggest thing is we want people to come to this event, but before they come, we want them to come to Clayton and support our local businesses,” Flaherty said. “Without their support, we can’t continue these types of efforts.”
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