HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2024.11.21 - 41716
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of the Annual Holly Dickens Festival
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:46 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2024-4655
Motion to approve the one-time allotment of $10,000 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Board of
Commissioners General Fund Sponsorship line-item budget for the purpose of sponsoring the 2025
Annual Holly Dickens Festival; further, approve and authorize the Board Chair to execute any
required agreements on behalf of Oakland County. Additionally, require that the recipient of the
funds promote the County as a primary sponsor and provide an impact report to the Board detailing
the sponsorship outcomes, including the number of Oakland County residents served.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Robert Hoffman
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Proposed Project Title
Holly Dickens Festival
Submitted By
Jenn Ryan, Treasurer
Summary of Proposed Project
The Holly Dickens Festival organization conducts the annual Holly Dickens Festival, held for three
consecutive weekends starting Thanksgiving weekend, including a lighted parade on the Friday
after Thanksgiving. The festival aims to uphold local traditions, customs, and pride within the Holly
community while providing entertainment for residents and attracting visitors. Holly has hosted the
Holly Dickens Festival for over fifty years, making it the longest continuous Dickens festival in the
country.
What is the estimated cost of this project
The 2024 Holly Dickens Festival has a budget of $50,000. The organization hopes to expand the
event with more family-friendly activities, increasing the projected budget to $75,000. Requested
funding is $20,000.
Are there any possible funding partners or matching funds available? If so, please explain.
The festival secures annual sponsorships from local businesses and generates revenue from
fundraising events and sales during the festival.
What is the purpose of this project?
The festival supports downtown Holly businesses by bringing visitors to the area. Since the June
2022 fire, key businesses like Andy’s Place, the Holly Hotel, and the Arcade have not yet reopened,
leaving others affected by the vacancies. The festival has become a lifeline for these small
businesses, making these weekends their best of the year despite rising production costs.
Who will benefit from the project and how?
Funding will help the Holly Dickens Festival expand with additional entertainment, benefitting
residents and visitors alike by offering a cherished community event. The local businesses will also
see increased patronage, supporting Holly’s recovery and promoting the area as a destination.
What is the expected duration of the project?
The Holly Dickens Festival is an annual event.
Will the project/cost fall within one or multiple budget cycles?
One cycle.
Will there be a need to organize support from any Oakland County Departments or outside
agencies? If so, please explain.
No.
Does this project fall within the scope of the Board of Commissioners’ authority?
Yes.
Will you be involved in this project; how so?
The festival includes a lighted parade and tree lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving, followed by
events on the next three weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
What is the proposed timeline for this project (start/completion)?
The Holly Dickens Festival organization’s fiscal year runs from April to March, with the majority of
costs incurred in November and December. The festival takes place over three weekends following
Thanksgiving each year, and planning involves year-round fundraising efforts.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Jenn Ryan
Treasurer
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 11/21/2024
AGENDA DEADLINE: 11/21/2024 9:30 AM
ATTACHMENTS
None
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-11-13 Finance - Recommend to Board, as Amended
2024-11-21 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: None
Seconded by: None
Yes: None (0)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)