Dronepalooza to Showcase Drones’ Potential for Science, Government, Art, Business, and Recreation

Bloomington, Ind. - The Fast Forward Bloomington series continues Sunday, September 8 from 1 to 6 p.m. with Dronepalooza 2019, being held at Bloomington High School North (3901 North Kinser Pike).  The family-friendly event showcasing practical and recreational applications for drones, also known as unpiloted aerial vehicles or UAVs, is being presented by the City of Bloomington with sponsorship from The Herald Times, Bloomington High School North (BHSN), the Monroe County Airport, and the IU Credit Union.  

At this free, interactive event, visitors can tour the BHSN Drone Club classroom to see where students build their own drones and to try their hand at drone simulators.  Info booths in the auxiliary gym will give visitors a chance to explore the potential drones offer for art, agriculture, climate science, engineering, emergency services, real estate, and recreation. Licensed drone pilots are invited to attend the event to demonstrate their crafts and race them through obstacles.  While learning more about the ways this technology is being used, visitors will be invited to provide input about its applications within city government. Along with these ongoing activities, programs are scheduled as follows:

• 1 p.m.: Kickoff at Music and Seating Zone

• 2 p.m.: Presentation at Info Booth Zone:  Responsible Dronership and the Future of Drones

• 3 p.m.:  IU Geology Drone Demo in Nature Reserve

• 4 p.m.: Panel Discussion in Info Booth Zone:  What is Our Future with Drones?

• 5 p.m.: Obstacle Course Winners Announced at Music and Seating Zone  

Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the event by five bands, including the BHSN Jazz Ensemble and the Punk Rock Cuties, another band of BHSN students.  Little visitors can pretend to “be their own drone” while navigating an obstacle course designed just for kids.

“From our manufacturing days to our current role as an IT hub, Bloomington has long fostered innovation and harnessed its power for the greater good,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “We look forward to bringing the community together to explore the ways drones can benefit City operations.”

Entrance to the event is free and food will be available for purchase.  Volunteers will direct visitors to park in the student parking lot near the track. (Please see map below.) Volunteer opportunities are still available. More information about attending and volunteering at the event is available at bloomington.in.gov/innovate/fastforward/dronepalooza.