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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Mike Nelson, Director of Special Events
DATE: 10/27/2026
SUBJECT:
This is an amendment to the 2025 - 2027 Winter Lights Fireworks/Drone Show contract. The purpose of the amendment is to upgrade the scheduled 2026 and 2027 Winter Lights fireworks displays to drone shows.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to amend the three-year contract for the Winter Lights Fireworks/Drone Show to upgrade years 2026 and 2027, currently scheduled for fireworks displays, to switch to drone shows for both years.
BACKGROUND:
The Winter Lights Parde is the largest parade currently held in Aurora. With the 2024 Winter Lights Parade being the first year a drone show was included in the event, 2026 Winter Lights Parade would be the third year with a drone show.
DISCUSSION:
We are currently in year two of a three-year contract with Chicago Drone Light Shows. Per the current contract, years 2026 and 2027 are to include fireworks displays. With the popularity of our previous drone shows (years 2024 and 2025), we would like to amend the current contract to upgrade years 2026 and 2027 displays to include drone shows versus fireworks displays.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
There is an increase in cost when comparing your traditional fireworks display to a drone show. Funds for the upgraded drone show are available in account # 101-1607-450.53-07. The overall cost for each drone show (covering 2026 and 2027) will be $21,600.00 per year.
The benefits of upgrading to drone shows compared to a traditional fireworks display are that they are environmentally friendly and sensory friendly, which allows for a more enjoyable experience for many.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to amend year two and year three of the Chicago Drone Light Shows October 6, 2025 contract for the Winter Lights Parade years 2026 and 2027.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, upgrading to a drone show from fireworks will provide a benefit to the community in a more sensory and environmentally-friendly environment:
WHEREAS, years 2026 and 2027 will be funded with account # 101-1607-450.53-07 which has funds to cover the upgrade:)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: SECTION ONE: The City Council hereby approves the amended contract with Chicago Drone Light Shows, attached as Exhibit A.
SECTION TWO: The Director of Purchasing is authorized to execute Exhibit A, the contract with Chicago Drone Light Shows, amending the original underlying contract, to change the terms and add additional items for years two and three of the contract, and any other documents necessary to effectuate this Resolution.