Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 3/17/2026
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 Baldwin County Bicentennial Park - Drive-Thru Light Display
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Related to Christmas at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park - Drive-Thru Light Display, take the following actions:
1) Authorize the Baldwin County Archives and History Department to coordinate, promote, and host the 2026 Christmas event to be held from Monday, November 30, 2026, through Wednesday, December 23, 2026, operating Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with one special Sunday opening on December 20, 2026; and
2) Authorize the Baldwin County Parks and Recreation Department to provide event set-up, operational support, and breakdown services for the event. Set-up will commence in mid-September, no later than the Monday immediately following the Olde Time Days event, with scheduling and coordination directed by the Baldwin County Director of Archives and History; and
3) Approve the event flyer as presented for marketing and promotional purposes.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Baldwin County Commission has generously sponsored Christmas at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park, helping welcome more than 66,000 guests to the park over the years. This festive event has grown significantly in popularity and has become a cherished holiday tradition for families across Baldwin County, throughout the State of Alabama, and for out-of-state visitors.
The event continues to receive strong public support and broad community engagement. It has drawn support from state senators, members of the Alabama Legislature, and local municipal leadership, demonstrating its regional and statewide impact. In 2025, the event received over $12,000.00 in legislative grant funding, further affirming its value as a cultural and tourism initiative.
Festivals and special events serve as economic and tourism drivers, representing one of the fastest growing segments of destination development. Events hosted at Bicentennial Park provide a unique opportunity to highlight the park’s historical assets and community significance. The Christmas event, in particular, serves as a powerful platform for showcasing Baldwin County’s heritage while fostering civic pride and family engagement.
For the 2026 season, we plan to continue utilizing the established operational model, incorporating strong volunteer participation and community partnerships to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
The only County labor costs associated with this event will be personnel support necessary to cover work performed by Archives and History, Parks and Recreation, and Facilities Maintenance staff. All other event-related expenses are materials, supplies, activities, advertising, rentals, and operational expenses.
Additionally, the Commission has authorized staff to apply for a legislative event grant for the upcoming season, and the application has been submitted.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $160,000.00 approved FY26/27
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? N/A
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 - NOA email to Felisha Anderson
cc: Roger Rendleman, Frank Lundy, Beth Hodges, Wanda Gautney, Caleb Hacker, James Swearingen, Tara Hazelbaker, Dana Austin, Christie Bezoari.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A