Consideration and Approval of Contract:   A Service Contract with Open Sky Productions, LLC for a 4th of July Drone Show in the amount of $95,000.
 

1. Approve the Service Contract in the amount of $95,000 with Open Sky Productions, LLC. ; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Open Sky Productions, LLC will provide and produce a drone show 23-25 minutes in duration consisting of 300 drones in the air with full creative collaboration with City of Flagstaff staff in the amount of $95,000.  The drone show will be visible from a variety of locations with the launch site near the McMillan Mesa area including the Sunnyside neighborhood, Buffalo Park, and McMillan Mesa Natural Area and will be a free viewing experience for the community.  

Project Name: 4th of July Drone Show
Cost: $95,000
Account Number Budgeted: 001-11-156-0583-5-4273
FY Budgeted Amount: $205,000
Grant Funded: No
Funding Source: Tourism Transfer, one-time

None. 

1. Approve the Service Contract in the amount of $95,000 with Open Sky Productions, LLC.
2. Not approve the contract and direct staff toward a different direction. 

The City of Flagstaff made the decision years ago to no longer provide fireworks on the 4th of July. This decision was due to increased fire danger, potential fire restrictions, and the need to continue to be a fire-safe community. Staff direction for 2025 is to provide a drone show for the community to enjoy, free of charge. The identified vendor, Open Sky Productions, LLC, was selected through a Request for Proposal procurement process. The staff proposed launch site for the drone show is Coconino High School which allows visibility for the entire Sunnyside neighborhood as well as surrounding parks, FUTS and open spaces or natural areas. This event showcases 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 December 12, 2025, the City of Flagstaff published a Request for Proposals (RFP). Advertised in the Arizona Daily Sun on December 17th & 24th, 2024. Three applications were received by the closing date of January 15, 2025. Events staff of PROSE conducted an evaluation review of all three 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. The scores are as follows:
Open Sky - 281
Sky Elements - 252
Skylights - 204
 

Robust Resilient Economy: Embrace and invest in responsible tourism opportunities to promote economic development. 

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.