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Commissioners approve $30,000 in HOT funds for America 250 drone show at Ascarate Park
Summary
The court approved a package of America 250 activities and authorized $30,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds for a drone show at the county Fourth of July event, while asking staff to ensure the display is tailored to El Paso and to plan outreach and access for outlying residents.
El Paso County Commissioners on March 9 approved county participation in America 250 celebrations and authorized the expenditure of $30,000 in hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds to stage a drone show at the Ascarate Park Fourth of July event.
Economic Development staff outlined four components of the county’s America 250 programming — a volunteer campaign (America Gives), a student art show, an oral‑history archive initiative and a Fourth of July celebration featuring a VIP area, festival activities and an evening drone show followed by fireworks. County staff said the drone show is eligible for HOT funding under legal review and that they will track origin of attendees via ticket zip codes and mobility analytics.
Commissioners discussed cost and access. Commissioner concerns included whether a drone show is worth the expense, how to ensure the imagery is specific to El Paso, and how to make the event accessible to residents in far‑reaching county areas. Parks and Economic Development staff said prior drone events have drawn regional visitors and argued a distinctive drone program could attract tourism while reducing dispersed consumer fireworks activity.
The court voted to approve the America 250 activities and authorized the HOT expenditure; staff said they will return with vendor contracts and detailed logistics and will work with El Paso Water, Parks and transit partners to improve access for outlying neighborhoods.
