ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The five-day celebration of St. Augustine's 450th commemoration did not have any major hiccups despite the fact there were so many people attending the various events. Leaders estimate attendance between Thursday and Sunday to be between 80,000 to 100,000 people.
Tuesday, there were more than 700 people inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, more people watched from outside. City leaders believe they handled the managing of large crowds effectively.
The day kicked off with a countdown in the Visitors Information Center officially marking St. Augustine's 450th birthday.
The city has worked years and invested millions to make this celebration a reality.
"It's like the ducks are very smooth in the surface but all the little feet are paddling underneath," said Mayor Nancy Shaver.
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Commissioner Todd Neville said he's confident the city will see a return on investment.
"Tenfold. Because one of the things we did, we also got a lot of infrastructure out of this, from the perspective of we now know how to do the Fourth of July better, now we know how to do Nights of Lights better," said Neville.
City leaders had to figure out transportation, parking, entertainment and safety. The logistics of the event were very intricate.
One thing that was very noticeable was the amount of news coverage the event received.
Spanish Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares said he's happy to showcase St. Augustine to the world, especially in Spain.
"We have to get the people to come. As you know, there are programs of interchange between St. Augustine and Aviles but we have to do more," said Gil-Casares.
Two very prominent Spaniards will visit St. Augustine next week as the king and queen of Spain will be the guests of honor at the U.S.-Spain Council. Their visit is also part of the 450th commemoration.
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