Hays County plans drone light show to celebrate Juneteenth in San Marcos

During a recent meeting in Hays County, officials discussed an innovative plan to celebrate Juneteenth with a drone light show, marking a departure from traditional fireworks displays. The proposal aims to engage the entire Hays County community by showcasing a unique visual experience that highlights the significance of Juneteenth while avoiding the fire hazards and logistical challenges associated with fireworks.

The initiative was presented by a local organization that seeks to position itself as a representative of Hays County, rather than just San Marcos. The drone show is inspired by a similar event held by Texas State University for its 125th anniversary, where drones created images in the night sky. The organization hopes to draw residents from across the county to San Marcos for this event, which they believe will foster community spirit and awareness around Juneteenth.

To fund the drone show, the organization requested financial support from the county commissioners. Initially, a proposal was made for each commissioner to contribute $1,250 from their budget. However, some commissioners expressed concerns about their budget constraints. After discussions, the court agreed to allocate the necessary funds from the countywide budget, ensuring that the event could proceed without financial hindrance.

In addition to the drone show, the meeting also addressed the creation of a new division within the Hays County Health Department focused on animal welfare services. Local resident Kate Shaw, who has extensive experience in animal welfare, voiced her support for this initiative, emphasizing its importance for the community.

The decisions made during this meeting reflect a commitment to innovative community engagement and the enhancement of local services, demonstrating the county's dedication to addressing the needs and interests of its residents. As plans for the drone show and the new animal welfare division move forward, Hays County continues to seek ways to enrich the lives of its community members.