Shane Thompson is expecting a blow-out celebration on May 15, Armed Forces Day.
“We typically expect between 25,000 and 35,000 people,” said Thompson, one of the organizers for Thunder Over Evans, which will be held at Evans Towne Center Park.
After talking to other event planners who’ve had smaller activities since the pandemic, Thompson said Thunder Over Evans’ officials have been repeatedly told to expect more because people are ready to get out and do things.
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The event draws people from the Augusta area as well as several other states, he said. People have traveled from North Carolina and Tennessee just to attend the event.
Thunder Over Evans will be abbreviated this year because planning started months ago when pandemic restrictions were still in place. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with a 6:15 p.m. ceremony honoring men and women who’ve served in the Armed Forces.
Thompson said the event began several years ago after one of the founders saw a military service member being disrespected at an airport. The event is designed to honor and celebrate the military community.
Officials from Fort Gordon are scheduled to take part, as are designees from Forces United.
After the opening, the band Party Crashers will take the stage for two hours.
“Party Crashers is a Utah-based party band. They are one of the best cover bands. They are high-energy and cover songs from the Vietnam-era to the millennials,” Thompson said.
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After the concert will be a pyrotechnic display like no one has ever seen, he said.
Combined with fireworks will be 125 illuminated drones. Verge Aero has created drone shows for high-profile events such as the recent presidential inauguration, the Olympics and concerts by bands such as the Rolling Stones.
Thompson said several entities are working together to make the pyrotechnics event a memorable one.
“It’s earthshaking. It’s definitely an experience,” he said.
He urges anyone dealing with PTSD to leave before the display begins at 9:15 p.m. because it will be both loud and bright, so bright that the Thunder Over Evans’ website suggests wearing eye protection.
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About 15 food trucks will be at the event.
Admission is free thanks to its many sponsors, including Windsor Fine Jewelers, Columbia County Parks and Recreation Department and Gerald Jones Auto Group, said Thompson.
For more information, visit thunderoverevans.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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