'This is lit!' Portlanders dig downtown drone show

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- All these reports of drones in the nighttime sky in various cities around the country actually happened in Portland on New Year's Eve.

The New Year's Eve "Video Dance Attack Party" at Pioneer Courthouse Square , sponsored by Prosper Portland and the City of Portland, began around 8 p.m. About 250 drones from Open Sky Productions filled the skies over Pioneer Courthouse Square in the first show around 9 p.m.

The all-ages free event brought many downtown, as did free rides on TriMet buses, the MAX and the Portland Streetcar.

Before the first drone show at 9 p.m., music of the '80s and '90s was shown on the big screen. The drone show included music from the 2000s.

The show drew oohs and ahhs from many in the crowd gathered to ring in the new year.

"This is lit," said Hayden Ward.

The free show brought Asherah Barton downtown. "This was the only one I could find with a drone show, which I think was so cool. And it's better than fireworks."

"I think we really need this to connect our community, our families. I think it's really nice," Leondra said. "Especially since it's free for our low incomes."

The music videos continue at 10 p.m. featuring hits from the past decade, then a second drone show begins at 11:50 p.m. The drones will continue until the new year begins, organizers said.