Noah Hunton

Noah Hunton is a 25-year-old local from Ocala who has big dreams of becoming a country star. Hunton has opened for big names like Craig Campbell, Tristan Tritt, Colt Ford, Hinder, Brandon Heath, and many more. Hunton names his proudest accomplishment to be performing in front of 6,000 people, while opening for Colt Ford in Oxford, Florida. You’ll be surprised by Hunton’s low voice and entertained by his fun attitude on stage!

Chris McNeil

Stationed on a Navy ship at sea, Chris McNeil learned 3 chords on a guitar -- and has never stopped playing since.

Born and raised in Central Florida, Chris grew up surrounded by music. His pride for where he comes from is woven into his meaningful lyrics, while the soulfulness gained singing in the church choir comes across in each note he sings. His feel-good music blends a laid-back, small-town vibe with melodies that can always get a party started.

Chris plays a full lineup of shows in the Central Florida area and beyond. His first single, County Line, has already caught the attention in the Nashville music scene. This hardworking Veteran has served his country and now finds his greatest joy entertaining others through his music.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is an all-professional orchestra, founded in 1975. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, the OSO performs more than 20 concerts per year, in addition to public and private ensemble performances throughout the season.

In 2015, the OSO raised $3.5 million to renovate the historic Ocala City Auditorium, and opened the Reilly Arts Center. To this day, the Reilly Arts Center is the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and also hosts more than 200 concerts per year that include National and Regional touring artists. In 2022 the OSO expanded the Reilly Arts Center to include a second Black Box Theatre, as well as the Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory, which provides private lessons and group classes to students of all ages and backgrounds.

The OSO is committed to providing enriching cultural experiences for all and has several all-access programs that provide complimentary tickets to the community to attend OSO concerts, and scholarships for students in need that want to learn an instrument or attend a music camp.

Guests are encouraged to utilize four locations that will offer free shuttle rides throughout the event:

• The first shuttle will pick up guests at the Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St, will drop off at the intersection of NE 8^th Ave and NE 4^th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 40 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
• The second shuttle will pick up guests at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, will drop off at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St. This shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
• The third shuttle will pick up guests at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., will drop off at the intersection of NE 8^th Ave and NE 4^th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
• The fourth shuttle will pick up guests at the Marion County Parking Facility, 346 NW 2^nd St, will drop off at Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE 9^th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.

Shuttles from the Marion Technical Institute and the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center will be ADA accessible. Additional ADA parking will be available at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., on first-come, first-served basis.

Q: What is a drone show?

A: A drone light show is a captivating aerial display that utilizes a fleet of drones, each fitted with brilliant LED lights, to create mesmerizing patterns, shapes, and animations in the sky. These shows serve as a contemporary alternative to traditional fireworks displays, offering a unique, customizable, and eco-friendly form of entertainment. Check out an example HERE.

Q: Are drone shows safe?

A: Drone shows can be extremely safe when executed by professional teams following proper safety guidelines and regulations. Key safety measures include maintaining a safe distance between drones and the audience, using high-quality drones, incorporating redundancy in communication systems, ensuring flight path safety, and adhering to a strict safety process.

Q: What time will the drone show start?

A: The show will start promptly at 9:30 p.m.

Q: How long is the show?

A: The show will last approximately 15 minutes.

Q: Where can I park?

A: There will be parking available at the Ocala Skate Park, however, it may be limited due to the number of spaces available. Guests are encouraged to utilize parking at Marion Technical Institute (MTI), the downtown Ocala Parking Garage, Marion County Courthouse or the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. Complimentary shuttles will be available to take guests to the event zone.

Q: Is ADA parking available?

A: ADA parking will be available in the Reilly Arts Center parking lot, and complimentary shuttles from Marion Technical Institute (MTI) and the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center are ADA accessible.

Q: Which roads will be closed?

A: 8^th Avenue will be closed from NE 5^th to 9^th streets. Sanchez will be closed from NE 4^th Street to 9^th Street and Watula will be closed from NE 5^th Street to NE 9^th Street.

Q: Are coolers allowed?

A: Yes, and food trucks will be on-site with food and additional soft drinks available for purchase.

Q: Can I bring my own drone to the show?

A: No, Sky Elements drones are the only drones allowed to fly during the event and in the event area.

Q: Are chairs provided?

A: No. Please plan to bring your own chair or blanket. Depending on location, you may also be able to view the show from your car.

Q: Can I bring food into the event zone?

A: Yes, however we encourage you to check out our food vendors!

Q: Is there reserved seating available?

A: Only sponsors and special guests will have access to reserved seating.

Q: Are dogs allowed?

A: Yes, however they must be leashed and picked up after.

Q: Is there an age limit to get into the festival?

A: This is an all ages, family friendly event.

Q: What if it rains?

A: Depending on the severity of weather, the event might be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. All updates will be posted to the official Ocala Recreation & Parks Facebook or Instagram page: @OcalaRecPark

Q: Is there a first aid station/medic on site?

A: Yes, Ocala Fire Rescue will be available

Q: Can I come onsite to sell stuff?

A: Only approved vendors may sell items onsite.

Q: What activities will you have for kids?

A: We will have a kid’s zone complete with multiple bounce houses, a rock wall, and a mechanical alligator!

Q: What is prohibited in the event zone?

A:

• No glass
• No alcohol
• No musical instruments
• No weapons of any kind
• No tents, umbrellas or shade structures of any kind
• No glitter of confetti
• No grills
• No balloons, balls or inflatables
• No laser pointers
• No sporting equipment
• Any item deemed unsafe by OPD is not allowed
• Drones

Just a reminder: Alcohol is prohibited on public property, including parks, streets and sidewalks. It is also illegal to possess fireworks that explode or leave the ground.

Q: What is the restroom situation?

A: Restrooms are available on-site near the baseball field and the Tuscawilla Group Pavilion and there will be additional portolets spaced around the event zone. Restrooms are ADA accessible.

Q: What can I bring into the event?

A:

• Sunglasses, hats, fanny packs
• Sunscreen
• Food and drink
• Small camera with no detachable zoom lens or flash
• Lawn chairs: low-profile beach chairs, bag chairs or inflatable couches (They must be set up in the designated chair zone. Chairs may not be set up close to the stage, and holding spots is prohibited)
• Baby Strollers with accompanied child