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Wilson College Invites Community to New Drone Show

Wilson College will present its award-winning Drone Show on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. during Wilson Weekend, the College’s annual homecoming and parents’ weekend. Free and open to the public, the show will feature 300 synchronized drones forming illuminated images above campus that celebrate the nation, Chambersburg, Franklin County, and Wilson College. Community members and visitors of all ages are invited to attend this memorable event.

“Wilson Weekend is a time to bring together alumnae, alumni, families, students and our neighbors throughout the region,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “We are delighted to once again share this award-winning event with the community and welcome guests to campus for a memorable evening. Through the Drone Show, we celebrate not only Wilson’s legacy, but also the people and communities of Chambersburg and Franklin County that continue to shape our future.”

The 15-minute show will feature hundreds of synchronized drones illuminating the night sky with stunning imagery that pays tribute to America, Franklin County, and Wilson College. The show will include a symbolic flight of the phoenix and other captivating visuals, accompanied by a custom soundtrack and narration accessible via smartphone.

Event Details:
• Music & Narration Access: QR code signs throughout the venue will link to a webpage that plays the show’s music and narration. Audio begins at 7:45 p.m.; the drone show starts promptly at 8:00 p.m..
• Parking: Public parking will be available at the Hankey Parking Lot near the North entrance of campus by Menno Haven.
• Viewing Area: The public viewing area will be on the field at the corner of Norland and Edgar Avenues. Yard signs will direct attendees from Hankey Parking Lot to that area of campus. Please allow approximately 5 minutes to walk to the viewing area.
• What to Bring: A cell phone for audio access, and a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable viewing.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Wilson College, Cherry Knoll Farm, and the Franklin County Visitors Bureau.

For more information visit www.wilson.edu/drone.

About Wilson College: Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private coeducational liberal arts college offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Bachelor’s degree programs include 35 majors and 40 minors in high-demand and innovative fields including education, nursing, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and sport management. Graduate degrees include master’s level programs in education, fine arts, the humanities, nursing, and organizational leadership, and a hybrid, accelerated doctoral program in occupational therapy. With classes available in person and online, the College achieved the highest total enrollment in its history for Fall 2025, as it makes higher education accessible and affordable for today’s students. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information. 

Nancy Irene Thomas 1947-2026

Nancy loved traveling with her husband and watching game shows on television. She loved country music and was a fan of Elvis Presley. 

Mary Kay Naugle 1947-2026

Mary Kay Naugle, 79, of Chambersburg, passed away Wednesday, October 14 2026 peacefully at the Shippensburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. Born January 26, 1947 in Waynesboro, she was the daughter

Kara A Topper 1968-2026

Kara devoted herself to nursing, caring for others with a tender heart and a gift for making people feel seen, comforted, and loved.

Robin Kay Thomas 1966-2026

Robin enjoyed watching anything true crime or her favorite TV show, Law & Order SVU. She had a heart and compassion for animals.

Terisha Mi Cook 1973-2026

Terisha was a school teacher with the state of Maryland, she loved being a positive influence on so many young lives.

Linda L. Miller 1945-2026

In her earlier years Linda worked at the former Howard Johnsons on the turnpike and later at the Stanley Clothing Company in Chambersburg.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.