RICHLAND, Wash. – The Cool Desert Nights event, a beloved tradition in Richland for over 30 years, attracted between 10,000 and 12,000 people over the course of the June 27-28 event, according to a presentation during the city council’s September 16 meeting.
The event, hosted by the Richland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Richland, featured a variety of activities including a cruise, a party in the park, a Show n Shine, live music, a Kiwanis pancake feed, a beer garden and numerous vendors.
Organizers said the economic impact of Cool Desert Nights was substantial with estimated visitor spending reaching between $1 million and $1.1 million, hotels and lodging generating $200,000 to $250,000, restaurants and bars bringing in $300,000 to $400,000, retail sales contributing $125,000 to $175,000 and on-site vendors earning $225,000 to $275,000.
Beyond direct spending, the event supported local businesses and employees. Suppliers and local businesses saw an impact of about $200,000, while employee wages supported amounted to approximately $150,000. The multiplier effect added an estimated $500,000, resulting in a total economic impact of around $1.85 million.
