The series of events commemorating Boca Raton’s centennial last year gave the city an economic boost.
A May 29 city report detailing the impact of the events found that the programs generated about $16.8 million in spending benefiting the local economy, as well as media coverage valued at about $8.7 million.
About 50,000 people attended the events, most of them city residents.
Even if they did not attend, 76,500 residents were aware of the celebrations as were nearly 2 million Florida residents outside the city.
Most popular were the Holiday Street Parade in December, attended by 25,000, the Boca Street Fest in January 2026 attended by 15,000, and workshops or public art unveilings throughout the year.
Most of the spending, $14.2 million, was by people attending the events. That included money spent in restaurants, on food and beverages at event sites, on parking or fuel and for event admissions and tickets.
“These findings collectively illustrate the wide-ranging economic, cultural and visibility benefits realized by the community,” the report states.
— Mary Hladky
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