Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 3/3/2026
Item Status: New
From: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Submission of Alabama Tourism Department 2026 Legislative Event Grant Application
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the submittal of the Alabama Tourism Department 2026 Legislative Event Grant Application by Archives and History Department staff, on behalf of the Baldwin County Commission, requesting grant funds for the Christmas Lights Drive Through Display (November 30, 2026 - December 23, 2026).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Alabama Tourism Department offers Tourism Event Grants to assist municipalities and nonprofit organizations in promoting events that attract visitors to the state. These grants provide funding support for festivals and community events that enhance tourism, strengthen local economies, and highlight Alabama’s unique cultural and historical assets.
On February 19, 2026, staff received an email from Monica English, Legislative Delegation Clerk, congratulating the Baldwin County Commission’s Department of Archives and History for being selected as a finalist for a $3,900.00 tourism grant sponsored by Senator Chris Elliott. The completed application must be submitted no later than March 17, 2026.
The fall events at the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park are among the premier seasonal attractions in North Baldwin County. These events serve as a strategic marketing initiative for the park, showcasing its natural beauty, historical significance, and local culture while drawing visitors from surrounding communities and throughout the region. Through enhanced promotion and continued investment, these events contribute to increased tourism, community engagement, and economic activity in North Baldwin County.
Previous Commission action/date: August 5, 2025 - Accepted the 2025 Tourism Grant in the amount of $7,800.00 from the Alabama Tourism Department for the Baldwin County Commission (Department of Archives and History) to assist with expenses involved with Olde Time Days at Bicentennial Park (October 4, 2025) and the Christmas Drive-Thru Light Shows (December 1-23, 2025); and authorized the Chairman and Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History, to execute the Letter of Understanding and any grant-related items.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: Incoming Revenue
Budget line item(s) to be used: 106-51907-51502 Commission Sponsored Events
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? Budgeted FY 2025 / 2026
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Admin - NOA email to Felisha Anderson. If grant is awarded, an item for funds acceptance will be submitted along with any agreements and related documents for Commission approval.
cc: Roger Rendleman, Beth Hodges, Wanda Gautney, Tara Hazelbaker, Christie Bezoari, Brian Underwood, Katrina Taylor
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed):
Additional instructions/notes: If awarded, Katrina Taylor to enter the Grant award into MUNIS.