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Festival of Lights reports nearly 40,000 attendees, says volunteers logged over 13,700 hours
Summary
Festival organizers told the Dickinson Management District the event drew about 39,998 visitors and logged roughly 13,709 volunteer hours; presenters noted roughly $61,000 in grant‑funded line items and discussed bus logistics and a potential five‑year county parks contract.
Festival of Lights organizers told the board the event attracted nearly 40,000 visitors during the reported year and credited a sizeable volunteer effort.
Festival representative Mr Suderman reported an attendance figure of 39,998 and said the organization logged about 13,709 volunteer hours between March 1 and January 31. He also described the festival’s finances: the event’s budgeted income was $137,000 and—per the spoken transcript—the presenter said it "wound up at $141.02," which appears to be a transcription error given the earlier $137,000 figure; the presenter also indicated that about $61,000 of expenses are typically covered with grant funds.
Organizers asked the board to consider participating in operations (volunteers/staffing) and noted progress negotiating a potential five‑year contract with the Galveston County Parks director, Martha Lee, to provide more stability for planning. They discussed bus routing and staging at True Cross for shuttle service, and raised local infrastructure concerns such as repaving South Spruce to improve visitors’ first impressions.
Board members responded with operational questions and thanked festival volunteers; staff said they will follow up on logistics and any roadwork coordination.
