Drone Show To Replace Fireworks After Homecoming Football Game

A new feature is coming to the Glenwood Homecoming celebration in 2026 – a drone show over the skies of the Glenwood Activities Complex after the Rams’ football game against Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson.

The drone show is being sponsored by members of the Glenwood Community High School Class of 1976, who will be holding their 50th class reunion during Homecoming. The drone show is replacing the traditional postgame fireworks show, which was started by the Class of ’76 in 2001.

“For our 25th reunion, our class sponsored fireworks after the football game, which then became a Homecoming tradition,’ said class member Wendell Hunt. “This year, for our 50th, we are sponsoring a drone show after the football game.”

The drone show received the blessing of the Glenwood City Council after a presentation from two members of the class at the council’s regular meeting last Tuesday.

The Class of 1976 has gained notoriety for entering a float in the homecoming parade practically every year. Traditionally, classes only enter a float every five years when they’re having reunions, but not the Class of ‘76.

“In 50 years, we’ve had a float in the Homecoming parade every year except for two,” said Hunt. “We have John Yates and Doug Hammer to thank for this, as John stores and maintains the float, and Doug helps prep it every year.”

Glenwood’s 2026 Homecoming celebration takes place the weekend of Oct. 16-17. The theme of this year’s parade is “50 States * 250 Years.”