TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Gina Moga, Special Events Manager
DATE: August 13, 2013
SUBJECT:title
The Rotary Club of Aurora is requesting permission to hold the annual Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, November 23 through December 26, 2018.
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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 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 12th year. Presented in partnership with the City of Aurora, this event is a drive through of more than one mile of spectacular light displays at Phillips Park. In addition to Rotary members, FOL also has hundreds of dedicated community volunteers that assist throughout the month-long event. Set up begins on Monday, November 12 with the opening night on Friday, November 23rd.
DISCUSSION:
This Rotary Club is requesting assistance from the City of Aurora for the following:
Electrical Division to assist with power and wiring
Parks Department staff for the hanging of snowflakes and other decorative elements throughout the park, signage and use of the First Tee building daily for volunteer hospitality. Staff daily to turn the displays on and off.
Street Department, barricades as needed
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Assistance from the aforementioned Departments and Divisions is requested. A detailed schedule of set-up, daily functions and tear-down is attached.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed event be forwarded to the Government Operations Committee for review and approval.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Lofchie
Alderman Franco, Alternate