It seems the largest LED show in Maine was a bigger hit than expected. The light-emitting diodes just didn’t brighten Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens during its inaugural Gardens Aglow program, it also brought twice as many winter visitors to the region as anticipated.

CMBG officials report the shows drew 36,000 visitors from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31 and generated an estimated $4,107,468 for the region.

Selectmen reviewed the economic data presented by CMBG during the Jan. 13 board meeting. The total regional spending by Gardens Aglow’s visitors is an estimated $3,879,468, and $228,000 from CMBG direct spending during the 25-day period, according to the report.

CMBG Facilities Manager Adam Harkins told the Boothbay selectmen they expect more visitors next year. The visitors were so numerous, the facilities’ 425 parking spaces were filled each day, according to Harkins.

“We are going to be better prepared next year,” he said. “We need to expand parking and add more hours to meet the demand. The response was something nobody expected. We had so many visitors we stopped the limited advertising we planned.”

Harkins worked 21 days in a 22-day span during the Gardens Aglow run. CMBG planned for two shows per week, but when demand increased, a third was added. The attraction typically employs 24 workers in November and December. The larger crowds resulted in 50 employees working during the Gardens Aglow run.

The selectmen didn’t need to review the economic data to know Gardens Aglow drew large crowds. They witnessed its popularity by hearing the community talk about the event’s successful run.

Selectmen noted Friday night traffic jams on Route 27, packed restaurants with patrons who came to the region especially for the LED show, and first-hand experiences on how Gardens Aglow brought visitors to the region.

“If you told me there would be a traffic jam every Friday night on Barters Island in November and December I would’ve said you’re crazy,” said Selectman Steve Lewis.

Harkins responded, “I would’ve said you’re crazy, too!”

Selectman Dale Harmon talked about dining at the Ports of Italy in Boothbay Harbor. Harmon overheard two adjoining tables describe their Gardens Aglow experience.

“The visitors, at both tables, had traveled about two hours and they talked about coming back to the botanical gardens and eating at Ports of Italy next summer,” Harmon said. “That spoke volumes to me.”

Lewis reported friends drove two hours to see the spectacular light show.

“They drove from Norridgewock just to see the show, and they were very impressed with it,” he said.

Lewis also attended a show.

“It was like walking onto a movie set for a Christmas show. I wasn’t ready for Christmas beforehand, but afterwards, I was,” he said.

The huge influx of winter visitors has also left a profound impact on the Joint Economic Committee comprised of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor representatives. Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer reported the committee has discussed lighting up the two towns next year to draw more traffic into the commercial areas. Bryer explained the committee discussed lighting up the Boothbay Common and the Boothbay Harbor business district.

The committee also wants to make Gardens Aglow more of a regional experience. The committee has discussed creating a Winter Carnival in the future and joining forces with all four peninsula towns. Bryer is excited about the prospect of making the Boothbay region a winter destination.

“Just looking at the numbers, it’s pretty eye-opening,” Bryer said. “Meeting with Tom (Woodin, Boothbay Harbor town manager) and Bill (Cullina, CMBG executive director) we discussed this as a great machine for us. I’m as excited about this as any I’ve been involved with so far.”

Lewis concluded the discussion by saying the spectacular light show had already made him excited about next Christmas.