Light Display Request

The City of Ames has two locations where lights can display a variety of color combinations to acknowledge commemorative observances, celebrate local achievements, support local sports, or honor or memorialize individuals who have had a profound impact on the Ames community. These two areas are the lighted tower sculptures along U.S. Highway 30 between Interstate 35 and South Dayton Avenue and the Durham Bandshell on the east side of Downtown Ames.

Lighted Tower Sculptures

In 2012, the City installed a series of lighted tower sculptures along U.S. Highway 30 between Interstate 35 and South Dayton Avenue. These light columns were part of the U.S. 30 entry way project designed to provide a fresh, attractive welcome to those traveling to Ames via U.S. 30 or I-35 from the east. The towers can be programmed to display a variety of color combinations and transitions.

Durham Bandshell

Durham Bandshell in Bandshell Park was originally constructed in 1935. In 2021, the bandshell received several upgrades, including state-of-the-art linear LED lights that have color-changing capabilities.

Requesting a Special Light Display

• Requests for a special light display may be placed up to one year in advance of the proposed display start date.
• Requests for displays must be placed at least two weeks in advance of the proposed display.
• Displays will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Requests may be made for the U.S. 30 light towers, Durham Bandshell, or both.
• Requests for displays at the U.S. 30 light towers or Durham Bandshell will both be reviewed for compliance with the U.S. Highway 30 Light Tower Display Policy, available by clicking here(PDF, 20KB).
• For-profit organizations may not place requests for special light displays.

Light Display Request Form

U.S. Highway 30 light columns

Durham Bandshell