Committee hears trade-offs between city fireworks and drone shows; staff to proceed with contracted fireworks this year

Parks staff briefed the Parks, Foundations and Quality of Life Policy Committee on the trade-offs between the city's contracted professional fireworks display and drone-show alternatives as the city prepares for July 4 events.

Brian Green said the city's professional fireworks show typically lasts 20–22 minutes and the vendor price for this year's event is $59,850. He contrasted that with a recent Aurora Fest drone show: about 16 minutes, roughly 500 drones and an estimated cost of $90,000 for that vendor model. "It's a bit higher in cost than fireworks displays," Green said of drones, noting they produce no smoke or wildfire risk but are less visible from all angles and can be quieter.

Ted Bryant, PROS communications manager, said staff are coordinating closely with Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) to develop and amplify fireworks safety messages. "We are in close communication with Aurora Fire Rescue's communications team on providing fireworks safety messaging," Bryant said, and PROS will reshare AFR material on social media, include messages in newsletters and place signage in PROS facilities when appropriate.

Committee members raised concerns about drought and personal fireworks use in neighborhoods; Council Member Medina said she favors exploring drone shows and sponsorships for future years but acknowledged that this year's professional display would go forward because the contract had been procured and the city has paid the first installment. Staff said cancelling now would still require paying the full contract amount.

The committee did not direct staff to cancel this year's display; members asked staff to explore options for future drone shows, sponsorship opportunities and strategies to broaden access if using site-directed drone displays.

What's next: staff will continue to coordinate safety messaging with Aurora Fire Rescue, proceed with the contracted fireworks display for the current year unless extraordinary circumstances require cancellation, and return with options for drone-based alternatives and potential sponsorship models.