Ace Centennial Skyshow Coming To Benicia Waterfront

BENICIA, CA — A 500-drone light show over the Benicia waterfront will illuminate the skies July 3, the city of Benicia and longtime local merchant, Pedrotti Ace Hardware announced Wednesday.

The Ace Centennial Skyshow honors the 100th anniversary of Pedrotti Ace Hardware and follows the city's annual Torchlight Parade held on the eve of the Fourth of July.

Founded in 1922 in nearby Crockett, Pedrotti Hardware moved to Benicia on Valentine's Day 1992 and just celebrated its 20th anniversary in the city.

Aside from holding the title of Benicia's oldest business, Pedrotti was awarded the Ace Hardware President’s Cup on Oct. 7, 1997, as the best Ace in the United States. On Sept. 25, 1994, Pedrotti Ace Hardware was selected as Benicia Chamber of Commerce's first-ever Business of the Year.

"A hundred years is a long time and we wanted to do something special for the community," said Gene Pedrotti, hardware merchant and third-generation family owner.

Towering hundreds of feet high and 100 yards across the horizon, the drone show will captivate the audience with massive characters and tales of Benicia's eventful history. Produced by The Drone Light Show Events / CME International of Newport Beach, the show is expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3.

"These shows are incredible … high tech to the nth degree, almost surreal," Pedrotti said. "We wanted to do something that would knock the socks off the viewer and drones are it! Now that the pandemic appears to be waning, it's time to celebrate ... to our health, our community, and of course, our centennial!"

To announce the special event, Pedrotti Ace Hardware hosted a chamber mixer Wednesday for the Benicia Chamber of Commerce and shared the exciting plans with the community. The drone light show is funded by Pedrotti Ace Hardware, while the city is providing support to make the celebration a reality.

"We are announcing this event now so that people can be sure to know that our Torchlight Parade on July 3 will be even bigger than ever," said Benicia Mayor Steven Young. "I hope people will enjoy the day with friends and family and then come downtown for the parade and this spectacular show. It has been a long time since we have been able to celebrate in this way. It is quite an achievement for any business to survive 100 years, and I want to thank Pedrotti Ace Hardware for their generosity for bringing this drone spectacular to our waterfront."