Red White Flight
Thank You for Joining the Celebration
Thank you for joining us for Red, White and Flight and for helping celebrate America's 250th birthday. Your enthusiasm, patriotism, and community spirit made this an unforgettable evening. From the live music and family activities to the spectacular drone show, this celebration was made possible by everyone who came together to honor this historic milestone.
Proudly Presented by:
Red, White and Flight was hosted by George W. Gillemot Foundation and Bean Space Foundation. Guided by a shared commitment to community, these foundations provided the vision and funding to bring this free Fourth of July celebration to life. Their goal was to unite the community around a meaningful moment while inspiring curiosity and imagination in the fields of drones, aviation, and aerospace.
Partners
The Expo
The Expo offered a hands-on experience leading into the evening’s main events. Guests were invited to explore interactive booths hosted by 15 organizations from across the community. Each booth was designed to engage curiosity and invite conversation. Attendees moved through the Expo at their own pace, connected with exhibitors, and picked up free items along the way.
Reno Phil Live at Mackay Stadium
Led by Music Director and Conductor Laura Jackson, the Reno Phil Orchestra & Chorus performed a high-energy program that blended beloved patriotic traditions with iconic film scores, Broadway favorites, and sweeping symphonic works. From traditional Sousa marches and the grandeur of Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man to the cinematic thrill of music from Top Gun, Star Wars, and The Avengers, the music captured the American spirit of America250. Attendees were also treated to heartfelt tributes like America the Beautiful and God Bless America, alongside showstopping Broadway moments.
Featured vocalist Hugh Panaro—renowned for his more than 2,000 performances as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera—brought his extraordinary voice and stage presence to this celebration, performing selections from the American songbook and Broadway stage, including Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.
Dazzling Drone Show
The evening concluded with an awe-inspiring, patriotic drone show featuring 500 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky above Mackay Stadium. Choreographed to celebrate America's 250th birthday, the display brought the community together for a memorable finale, showcasing iconic animations and moments of national pride through cutting-edge technology.
