TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Gina Moga, Special Event Manager
DATE: July 29, 2014
SUBJECT:title
Requesting permission for the Rotary Club of Aurora to hold the annual Festival of Lights at Phillips Park from November 28th through December 28th, 2014.
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PURPOSE:
Festival of Lights is a community service project for the Rotary Club of Aurora. The event has gained regional popularity over the years and has become a holiday family destination. All proceeds generated from the event go back into the community to benefit local charities.
BACKGROUND:
One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, Aurora's Festival of Lights, returns for its eighth year in 2014. Presented in partnership between the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City of Aurora, this signature winter event is a drive through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays at Phillips Park.
In addition to the Rotary members, Festival of Lights also has hundreds of dedicated community volunteers that assist throughout the month-long event.
Set up begins on Monday, November 17th, 11 days prior to opening night. Projected attendance is 25,000 cars. There is no cost, although donations are accepted.
DISCUSSION:
Rotary Club is requesting assistance from the City of Aurora for the following:
-Electrical Division to assist with the power and wiring needs.
-Parks staff for the hanging of snowflakes and other decorative elements throughout the park, signage, tram (for sponsor event) and use of the Visitors Center for both the sponsor/media night and daily for volunteer hospitality.
-Street to provide barricades as needed.
-The City also provides staff daily to turn on and off the displays.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Assistance from the following departments is requested:
Parks, Electrical, Streets and MVPS.
A detailed itinerary of set up, daily functions and tear down is attached.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed event be approved and forwarded to the Government Operations Committee. "
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Johnson
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate