BOCA RATON — Thousands filled the streets of downtown Boca for the destination’s second annual “Meet Me On The Promenade” this past weekend as visitors from Miami to Wellington came early and stayed late to take in the event’s Stroll, Shop & Savor self-guided tour of all there was to “see and do” at the street fest.
While effects of Hurricane Sandy weather cancelled Friday night activities, the spirit on Saturday was far from dampened as more than 7,000 clad in symbolic pink began their route through parts of downtown Boca in the 11th Annual Making Strides against Breast Cancer and then stayed to enjoy event festivities.
Offering something for everyone, the day and night featured live entertainment, family-friendly programming, Halloween Happenings! and “after parties”. The Saturday line-up featured live entertainment on several stages, plenty of “friends and family” fun and free staged “Fall for Downtown Boca” keepsake photo opportunities both inside a gigantic “walk in” commemorative globe and next to the Office Depot Tony Stewart NASCAR show car.
Event goers enjoyed the Office Depot Foundation sponsored Family Zone; the Allianz Championship sponsored Sports Zone with an inflatable golf driving range and Miami Dolphins interactive activities; the mod.dog Salon & Boutique hosted Doggie Depot; a classic and antique car showcase sponsored by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton and a mini-showcase hosted by Mizner Park clubs.
“In light of school closings and Hurricane Sandy challenging us on Friday, we were pleased to welcome the thousands that came out on Saturday to enjoy the day,” noted city of Boca Raton Downtown Manager Ruby Childers. “Participation in the Halloween Happenings! costume contests was strong, followed by shop-to-shop ‘trick or treating’ and full production BeetleJuice Rock ‘N Roll Monster Revue.”
City of Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency Chair and City Council Member Constance Scott noted that “With ‘Meet Me On The Promenade,’ the vibrancy continues in downtown Boca with plans being finalized for two annual holiday celebrations, including the City’s Annual Holiday Lighting Extravaganza and 42nd Annual Holiday Street Parade that brings us Santa and Ms. Claus atop a city of Boca Raton fire engine.”