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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Tony Martinez, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: 07/08/2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with the Aurora Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority and the City of Aurora for the production of the 2026 Fiestas Patrias celebration.
PURPOSE:
To authorize the Aurora Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority to produce and manage the 2026 Fiestas Patrias celebration, with strategic input and guidance from the City of Aurora and the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND:
Fiestas Patrias has grown into one of the City's largest and most anticipated annual community events. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 festival was held at RiverEdge Park and was coordinated primarily by City staff and members of the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board. While the event was highly successful and drew record attendance, it also presented significant operational and logistical challenges due to its size and complexity.
To address those challenges, the City expanded Aurora Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, commonly referred to as the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) role in planning and executing the festival beginning in 2023. Aurhoirty's expertise in event production, logistics, and venue operations significantly improved the overall management of the event in both 2023 and 2024.
By assuming responsibility for production and operational logistics, relieved City staff and Heritage Board members of responsibilities outside their areas of expertise, allowing them to focus on programming, community engagement, and cultural aspects of the celebration. ACCA's experienced staff also enhanced public safety, streamlined operations, and improved the event's financial performance.
Today, Fiestas Patrias...
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