Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 7/1/2025
Item Status: New
From: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
Submitted by: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Christmas at Bicentennial Park - Holiday Drive-Thru Light Display
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Related to the Holiday Drive-Thru Light Display at Bicentennial Park, take the following actions:
1) Authorize the Archives and History Department to coordinate, promote, and host the 2025 Christmas at Bicentennial Park - Holiday Drive-Thru Light Display, to be held at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park from Monday, December 1, 2025, through Tuesday, December 23, 2025, operating Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and including a special Sunday opening on December 21, 2025; and
2) Approve the event flyer as presented to be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Baldwin County Commission has generously sponsored this event at Bicentennial Park since 2021, helping bring over 48,000 guests to the park over the years. This festive event has grown in popularity and become a cherished holiday tradition for families across the county.
In 2024, the event was again supported by the Commission along with two Alabama Tourism event grants. Thanks to efficient planning, cost savings were realized, in part due to a surplus of lighting materials that were carried into FY25. The event was highly successful and well-received by the public. We plan to follow the same operational platform in 2025, which includes utilizing community volunteers to assist as much as possible.
Although savings were made last year, the same funding amount is requested for FY26, as we will need to replenish lighting and supplies for this year’s display.
Festivals and events serve as magnets for visitors, constituting the most rapidly expanding tourism segment. Community festivals and events represent an unparalleled avenue for spotlighting the park and its significance. The Christmas Drive-Thru, in particular, serves as a powerful medium for showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage embodied by Bicentennial Park.
Additionally, the Commission approved staff to apply for legislative event grants again for this upcoming event season. Those applications have been submitted, and we have received confirmation that they are expected to be signed off on later this month.
Previous Commission action/date:
March 5, 2025 - BCC approved the submittal of the Alabama Tourism Department 2025 Legislative Event Grant Application by Archives and History staff, on behalf of the BCC, requesting grant funds for the Christmas Lights Drive-Thru Display.
July 2, 2024 - BCC authorized staff to coordinate/host/promote the event and approved the event flyer.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $160,000.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 10651907.51502 Commission Sponsored Events
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? Yes, funds will be requested during the FY26 budgeting process.
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: Felisha Anderson, Director of Archives and History/Special Historic Projects Coordinator
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration email the Commission decision to fanderson@baldwincountyal.gov.
Additional instructions/notes: cc: Roger Rendleman, Frank Lundy, Beth Hodges, Wanda Gautney, Tara Hazelbaker, Dana Austin, Christie Bezoari