Tusayan Council authorizes seasonal "Stargazing Nights," OKs Cinco de Mayo host and drone show rerun

The Tusayan Town Council on Feb. 11 approved a pilot "Tusayan Stargazing Nights" program and finalized plans for the town's Cinco de Mayo celebration, including accepting a free replacement drone show offered after a prior technical issue.

Town Manager Hendrix told the council the drone vendor offered to rerun a stellar drone show at the Cinco de Mayo event at no charge to the town after an error at a previous Astronomy Night. Hendrix also outlined a proposed seasonal stargazing program to run in spring and summer on second and fourth Thursday and Sunday evenings as a trial, saying staff were working with the U.S. Forest Service on permission for the Cookout site and that any fees would be set by ordinance. Council Member Josh Collet moved to authorize staff to create the Tusayan Stargazing Nights Program; Council Member Kathryn Kanallakan seconded the motion and the council voted in favor.

On event logistics, Hendrix presented two close vendor quotes for the Cinco de Mayo celebration and recommended contracting with the Squire, citing indoor space advantages if weather is poor. Vice Mayor Greg Brush moved to contract with the Squire; Council Member Collet seconded and the motion carried. Councilors asked that staff verify any lottery or ticketing arrangements do not divert event proceeds away from the Town and directed staff to ensure event funds are handled in accordance with the town's procurement and fee rules.

The council's action schedules the stargazing pilot and leaves ordinance-level fee-setting to a later meeting. The Council also noted that staff will continue to secure contractor quotes for the July 4 celebration and bring them back at the March meeting for contract decisions.

The council adjourned at 6:09 p.m.