That’s not the Empire attacking, Boise. Here’s what you’ll see in the sky Thursday night
If you look up Thursday night over the Boise Foothills and your mind wanders to a galaxy far away, don’t worry. There is nothing to fear from Emperor Palpatine.
There is, however, a Star Wars connection — although that’s probably not the Millennium Falcon.
Skyworx Drone Shows is putting on a free show starting at 9:30 p.m. Thursday above Simplot Hill, where the Boise sky will light up with 500 computer-operated drones in celebration of Star Wars Day, which is May 4.
The Boise-based company has previously done a 350-drone show for Boise’s Treefort Music Fest, but this will be the largest ever performed in the City of Trees, according to organizers.
“There’s going to be a lot of different elements to the show,” Skyworx’s Alden Skeie said. “I don’t want to spoil too much, but at the beginning you’ll see it coming over the hill and it will be really cool.”
Stars Wars fans will recognize a 400-foot-tall Star Wars AT-AT Walker as part of the 12-minute show.
Organizers suggest heading over to the grass field at Highlands Elementary School for the best vantage point, but they expect the show will be visible throughout the city because of its elevation above Simplot Hill.
“It will really be seen anywhere within like 5 miles because of the height of it,” Skeie said. “It’s gonna be pretty cool to see. I’m really excited to see how it looks throughout the city, maybe even in Meridian, depending on what the light’s like. We’re holding our breath for the weather, though.”
There is about a 60% chance of rain Thursday night for Boise, with mostly cloudy skies, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will be in the mid-50s.
This story was originally published May 1, 2023 at 1:29 PM.
