Air quality alerts still in place as smoke hangs over Philadelphia region | Live updates

A highly anticipated Harry Potter-themed drone show at Subaru Park was canceled at the last minute Thursday night, leaving hundreds of fans frustrated.

Organizers called off the event because of unsafe air quality from nearby wildfires.

Families traveled from across the region to see 1,200 drones recreate characters and scenes from the popular series. Doors opened at 7:15 p.m., but attendees received an email around 8 p.m. announcing that the 9:15 p.m. show would not go on as planned.

Families upset after Harry Potter drone show canceled last minute

"We're all Harry Potter fans. We love Harry Potter, so for this to happen, it's very disappointing," said Montanna Gallardo of Atco, N.J.

Jaylyn Cortes of Vineland said she felt upset.

"I feel bad for my family. I feel bad for me," she added.

Some attendees said they drove hours to reach Chester, only to turn around without seeing the show.

"I'm just frustrated because my wife wanted to go so bad," said Lance Wood of Enola. "I brought my three kids down here, drove over 2 hours. Now it's going to be two hours back. Turnpike fees, gas fees - all that stuff in addition to spending $410 to be here."

The event was organized by Fever and Nova Sky Stories.

Jeremy Sutherland, a senior project manager with Fever, said the team is working to accommodate affected customers.

"We're so, so sorry for guests who came out," Sutherland said. "We know it's a commitment of time and effort to come to the show. We hope they will join us again this weekend."

Many attendees said they cannot return on Friday or Sunday and felt organizers should have alerted guests earlier in the day.

"You should have handled it better," Cortes said.

Sutherland acknowledged issues with communication.

"We apologize for the sequence of how they were notified today and there was miscommunication along the way," he said. "We are reviewing what happened to make sure in the future guests are getting those notifications far in advance."

Sutherland said guests will receive a voucher to attend Friday or Sunday's show. Saturday's show is canceled due to expected rain.

Those unable to attend can request refunds for Thursday's show and parking by contacting hello@feverup.com.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert for Friday due to the wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota.

Residents are strongly encouraged to check www.airnow.gov for current conditions in their area.

Air Quality Index: What do the numbers mean?

During Code Purple Air Quality Alerts all residents should avoid long or intense outdoor activities, and sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory illnesses should avoid all outdoor activities. All residents are encouraged to move activities indoors.

Residents and businesses within the Air Quality Alert areas are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce fine particulate matter air pollution by:

• Avoiding the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment

• Avoiding the open burning of leaves, trash, and other materials

Experts advise residents to track the air quality with the weather app on your phone or the Air Now website.

According to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, the air quality index, or AQI, is acceptable if it's between 0 and 50. But, he said, if the AQI is between 50 and 100, "those with preexisting lung conditions, and those with preexisting heart conditions, you want to try to minimize your time out."

For anything above 100, Dr. Galiatsatos said everyone, regardless of medical history, should limit their time outside.