Consideration and Approval of Contract: With Open Sky Productions, LLC for a 4th of July Drone Show in the amount of $122,500, annually, for the term of the contract.
 

1. Approve the Contract for Services in the amount of $122,500, annually, with Open Sky Productions, LLC; and 
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Open Sky Productions, LLC will produce and provide a drone show 20 - 25 minutes in duration consisting of 400 drones in the air with full creative collaboration with City of Flagstaff staff in the amount of $122,500, annually, for the term of the Contract, which is an initial one year with up to four additional one-year renewals by mutual written consent of the parties.

For the 2026 event, the drone show will be visible from the Foxglenn Park multipurpose fields with the launch taking place from the softball field and will be a free viewing experience for the community. 

Project Name: 4th of July Drone Show 2026
Cost: $122,500
Account Number Budgeted: 001-11-157-0583-5-4290
FY Budgeted Amount: $205,000.00
Grant Funded: No 
Funding Source: BBB Tourism Transfer, one-time

City Council approved the 2025 4th of July Drone show Service Contract with Open Sky Productions, LLC. in the amount of $95,000 inclusive of 300 drones on April 1, 2025. 

1. Approve the Contract for Services in the amount of $122,500, annually, with Open Sky Productions, LLC.
2. Not approve the contact and direct staff toward a different direction. 

In 2025, PROSE contracted with Open Sky Productions, LLC for a 4th of July Drone Show. The launch took place at Coconino High School with viewing areas identified at Buffalo Park, McMillan Mesa, and Sunnyside neighborhood. The event showcased our continued partnership with Flagstaff Unified School District for the use of their space, Economic Vitality and Discover Flagstaff for creative and marketing, and our continued goal to provide free events for the community and visitors. 

On November 19, 2025, the City of Flagstaff published a Request for Proposals (RFP). Two applications were received by the closing date of December 12, 2025. Events staff of PROSE along with additional City of Flagstaff staff conducted an evaluation review of both applications. The group met to discuss their scores and reached a final consensus score for the highest scoring firm to be brought forward for council-approved award. 

Robust Resilient Economy: Embrace and invest in responsible tourism opportunities to promote economic development. 
Safe and Healthy Community: Promote physical and mental well-being through providing recreational opportunities, parks, open space, and active transportation options. 
Livable Community: Provide amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle.

ED.6.1: Support and promote the diversification and specialization of the tourism sector; with heritage, eco-, and adventure tourism.

IR-3: Plan for changes to recreation, reduce emissions, and respond to the impacts of climate change on current Parks and recreation facilities and operations. 

None.