To: Brian K. Flewelling, Public Works Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval of an agreement with Thomas Licensing, LLC, to host Day Out With Thomas at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad in 2026 and 2027
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval of an agreement with Thomas Licensing, LLC, to host Day Out With Thomas at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad in 2026 and 2027.
BACKGROUND:
Parks has hosted Day Out With Thomas annually since 2006. The event brings thousands of visitors to Genesee County.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement licenses Parks to produce, promote, advertise and host Day Out With Thomas at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. This will include the usage of Thomas the Tank Engine, the right to sell Thomas & Friends related products and to host other activities in both 2026 and 2027.
Dates for 2026: August 14-16, 21-23, 2026.
Dates for 2027: August; TBD
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND. Budgeted $3,500 to reserve the event each year to be paid from account 2083-765.04- 839.000.
Event Royalty arrangement to pay 30% of Ticket Admission Sales to Thomas Licensing, LLC.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This event attracts families to our county, bringing a positive economic impact to the area, and increases opportunities and services for residents and visitors of Genesee County, conforming to county priorities of community and economic growth, as well as inclusive, collaborative culture by bringing diverse groups to the table and building relationships to further expand our impact on our communities.
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize entering into the First Amendment to Event Agreement No. 110914 between Genesee County and Thomas Licensing, LLC, whereby the Parks will host the Day Out With Thomas event in 2026 and 2027 pursuant to a royalty payment arrangement, at no net cost to the County, with payment to Thomas Licensing, LLC, to be made through various accounts in 2083-765.04, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the March 25, 2026 meeting of this Board), and the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of Genesee County.