Walton Hills committee favors 200‑drone show as members weigh costs, logistics for 75th anniversary

The Walton Hills committee on March 10 reviewed options for the village’s 75th anniversary celebration, tentatively set for July 25 at TG Young Park, and signaled a preference for a 200‑drone show offered by a local vendor over a traditional fireworks display.

The presenters brought written quotes from multiple vendors and proposed the July date. “We’re all looking forward to this anniversary, 75 years for Walton Hills,” a committee organizer said as she presented pricing, vendor availability and logistics. The committee discussed combining the village’s celebration with the national 250th observance and noted the event will take place in the evening.

Why it matters: organizers said a drone show would reduce safety and nuisance risks tied to fireworks and could display custom imagery. “Safer than a fireworks show,” the presenter said, citing the ability to choreograph music and visuals while minimizing the loud explosions that can disturb pets and nearby residents.

What vendors quoted: the committee reviewed varying bids. The locally based American Fireworks provided drone and fireworks options. Out‑of‑state firms submitted higher quotes in part because they would bring their crews and equipment and require lodging and transport. On the record: Northern Lights quoted a 200‑drone show at about $36,000; Open Sky Pros (Salt Lake City) listed a 200‑drone show at about $25,000; one Michigan firm (described as Great Lakes) offered a 100‑drone option at roughly $10,000; the local vendor’s 200‑drone figure discussed in the meeting was about $20,000. Committee members also considered fireworks packages and an intermediate “gold” spark package discussed at roughly $4,500 in the meeting materials.

Logistics and programming: the committee reviewed related costs for sound and staging. An audio vendor recommended by a committee member quoted about $4,000 for sound and a podium, while the village’s regular DJ (DV Entertainment) quoted around $700. Organizers noted they had not yet received all staging quotes. Members also raised site concerns — trees, nearby roofs and the distance from industrial areas — and flagged repairs and lighting at the park: the group referenced about $2,000 already set aside earlier this year for cement work near the pavilion and discussed adding temporary lighting to the flagpole for the evening.

Attendance and vendors: past events drew roughly 350–400 people, members said, and the committee weighed food options (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and water) and hiring an ice cream truck (the village would pay a minimum fee if the vendor has a sales guarantee). Volunteers and trustees would assist with setup and parking. One member recommended advertising modestly to avoid making the event an advertising-driven show.

Budget and next steps: committee members discussed whether an appropriation adjustment or a formal resolution would be required to authorize spending and to award contracts; staff said they would prepare the necessary paperwork. At the meeting’s end a motion was made and seconded and four “yes” votes were recorded; the transcript does not include the motion text on the public record.

Closing note: organizers asked vendors to hold the tentative date while staff confirms availability and drafts any required resolution or appropriation. The committee also discussed a rain date and potential rescheduling options if weather cancels the show.