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El Mirage council approves drone light show for 75th Fall Fiesta with optional second performance
Summary
The council authorized a $26,000 contract with Open Sky Drone Productions for a drone show at the Oct. 24, 2026 Fall Fiesta, adding an approved optional second show for $5,000 after council discussion about safety, flight path and sponsorships.
El Mirage — Council approved a contract with Open Sky Drone Productions, LLC to provide a drone light show at the city’s 75th‑anniversary Fall Fiesta on or about Oct. 24, 2026, in the base amount of $26,000 and approved adding an optional second show for an additional $5,000.
Council discussion addressed number of drones, contingency and vendor protections, flight path coordination with Luke Air Force Base, security for multi‑day festival staging, and possible sponsorships to offset cost. One councilmember said he preferred a drone show to fireworks because it removes the fire risk and is more accessible for residents with PTSD and sensory issues; others raised concern about flight risk and vendor cancellation terms.
Councilmember McDaniel moved to approve the contract with the additional $5,000 second show per the vendor proposal; the motion passed on a voice vote with at least one recorded nay.
Key contract details in the staff presentation: a 300‑drone target was discussed (staff said 300 was chosen as a balance between audience size and show length), an 11–13 minute show is proposed with the option to add a second show for $5,000 bringing per‑show average cost down if two performances are run, and the vendor is responsible for permits while staff will assist with security and coordination with local PD and Luke Air Force Base.
