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Programs

Day Out with Thomas

Category: Arts, Culture & Humanities - Celebrations
Beneficiaries: General Public/Unspecified; Children and youth (infants-19 years)
Priority: 2
Budget: $400,000.00

Thomas the Tank Engine kicks off the national tour in Grapevine during March and April each year. Kids and parents are invited to ride behind the famous engine. Each ticket includes a 25-minute ride aboard vintage cars led by Thomas the Tank Engine. The day also includes a photo opportunity with Sir Topham Hatt, temporary tattoos, and local entertainment (local musicians/performers). Arts & crafts are also provided by area cultural agencies, along with book readings and screenings of Thomas & Friends™ videos. In addition to much needed revenue, Day Out With Thomas brings a wholesome message to children and introduces them to railroads. This is a great way for the museum to build a new audience and get youngsters interested in railroad history and preservation. It is also a collaborative event in which the museum invites Dallas arts & cultural organizations to host arts & crafts booths to promote their organizations at the two weekend event attended by approximately 25,000 people. Duration of this event is two consecutive weekends.

Definition of long-term success:

Long-term success is determined by the museum gaining community and/or financial support through its diversified programming for children and adults. Other criteria include community and business involvement as well as partnerships with other arts & cultural institutions. Successful programming educates the public, addresses the community’s needs and interests and gives guests a sense of connection with others.

Definition of short-term success:

Short-term success is determined by admissions and attendance of the featured event and feedback from guests/participants.

Success monitored by:

Program success is evaluated by the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Evidence of success:

Evidence of success includes repeat attendance to programs and special events and continued community attendance and support of the museum and its programs. The museum also solicits feedback from its guests through verbal communication and written surveys of its programming. Guest comments/concerns are taken into consideration when planning programming/events and evaluating relevancy.