Commission approves 35% revenue share with Storytime Event Photography for Santa photos at Eastgate Depot

The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway approved a revenue-sharing agreement with Storytime Event Photography to provide photographs with Santa Claus at the Eastgate Depot during the 2025 Polar Express train-ride events.

Under the agreement, the commission will receive 35% of gross sales. Staff estimated the commission’s share would be under $12,250 based on revenue generated for the same event from 2019–2024. The motion to approve the agreement was moved by Secretary Hicks, seconded by Treasurer Cruz and passed unanimously.

Laura Ming, owner of Storytime Event Photography, addressed the commission and described her operation. "We have an excellent team, really well trained Santa Clauses. Our staff is wonderful at kind of wooing the photos and the experience," Ming said. She said the vendor encourages walk-up customers who are not riding the train to visit the gift shop and purchase photos, and that the vendor advises attendees to come between trains to avoid parking and crowding issues.

Commissioners and staff discussed parking peak times and customer flow. Leah (staff) noted a typical bottleneck around the first train departure time and suggested communicating recommended arrival windows to the public. Ming said the vendor already recommends customers "come between trains because it's virtually a private experience with Santa Claus."

The commission also discussed exploring a longer-term arrangement for photo services but agreed to proceed with a one-year agreement for 2025 because of recent leadership and timing constraints.

Ending

Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously and thanked the vendor for returning. No public comment on the item was recorded during the meeting.