theBreakerVision: PNE’s 2017 Fair introduces Arrowonics drone light show to the West Coast

Bob Mackin

So they say the Pacific National Exhibition’s annual fair is always the same and it always rains. 

Nothing could be further from the truth for the 107th annual edition. 

Sunscreen, not umbrellas, are required for Hastings Park visitors in 2017. When the sun goes down, the drones go up. Yes, drones, instead of fireworks and lasers, every night at 10:15 p.m.

theBreaker spoke to Zev Bertini and Sam Zhao of the producer, Toronto-based Arrowonics. The spinoff from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Aerospace Studies hopes to become a world-leader in drone shows. 

The Northern Light Sky display above Festival Park is free with admission and a West Coast first.

But it ends Labour Day when the fair closes.