Why Were There So Many Drones Flying Over Grand Rapids This Week?

While drones have been around pretty commonly for almost a decade, it still feels weird to look up in the sky and see something hovering over your head.

They help us get some pretty incredible shots at concerts and events

@electricforest We’re so back. #electricforest #musicfestival ♬ original sound - Electric Forest

But they can also be used to do some weird and creepy things like spying on your neighbors or worse, looking at something we're not allowed to see because of closed off access.

And while the Grand Rapids Police Department has recently debated using them to help catch suspects or check places they don't have access too, people generally still aren't fans of them unless they are expecting to see them

And on Wednesday night, many Grand Rapids residents were left scratching their heads when they saw a swarm of drones over the south side of the city

They weren't there to take over, but instead, to do a little show for anyone who could see them

According to WZZM, The drones got together and shined lights to show a dolphin, a rocket ship, fireworks, and an American flag while they were seemingly practicing for something.

No one seems to know WHAT they're practicing for though. Although a few commenters on the youtube video above said that this display was planned for the Sheriff's convention that was in town Wednesday.

Either way, the mystery has left neighbors and city/state officials looking for answers as to who was flying them, or what they're for.

So don't panic if you see them again this weekend, but maybe next time the nice person behind them could give us a little heads up before we think that they're aliens or something worse...