CHICAGO— Navy Pier will ring in its 107th birthday with the “Sweeten Your Summer with Blue Bunny and Halo Top” drone light show on Saturday, July 15. Navy Pier’s first-ever drone light show will take place at 9:45 p.m. preceding the regularly scheduled Saturday fireworks display at 10 p.m. The free drone show will consist of 10 minutes of ice cream-themed animations in honor of National Ice Cream Month (July) and National Ice Cream Day (July 16).
“Navy Pier’s 107th birthday promises ‘a pageant of progress’ pairing the ancient art of fireworks with a futuristic light show featuring choreographed drones. Who needs candles with a display like this?!” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We raise our sundaes to Blue Bunny and Halo Top for putting this cherry on top of our birthday celebration. We hope everyone joins for a taste of the fun.”
Blue Bunny and Halo Top will also host a free ice cream social in Polk Bros Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. Guests are welcome to enjoy a treat-sized Bomb Pop, Blue Ribbon Classics, Halo Top, or Blue Bunny Ice Cream and explore Navy Pier ahead of the drone light show and fireworks spectacular.
“Part of our culture is to give back to the communities that support us, and Chicago is certainly full of loyal ice cream enthusiasts who love our brands,” said Santhi Ramesh, Chief Commercial Officer of Wells Enterprises, maker of Blue Bunny and Halo Top. “We’re excited to partner with Navy Pier to provide a free ice cream social as part of our promise that together we can create a world where everyone can feel joy every day.”
The drone light show, produced by Sky Elements Drones, will feature 300 drones spinning at over 20,000 RPMs. The show will end with a scannable QR code large enough cover an entire city block, which will allow guests access to a special offer at Jewel/Osco just in time for National Ice Cream Day.
ABOUT WELLS ENTERPRISES
Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods.
Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, lower-calorie Halo Top®, the iconic Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®.
Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, where Wells has made Le Mars the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location. Wells operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, Iowa, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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Blue Bunny / Halo Top Asset: Click here.
Navy Pier Press Kit: Click here to access Navy Pier’s press kit, including b-roll, photos, media parking map and logo.