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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 ________________
title
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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