The World Equestrian Center is seeking over $100,000 in funding from the county’s tourism division in consideration for a 12-week event series that is estimated to have a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy.
The funding request for WEC’s Winter Spectacular Show Series will come before the Marion County Tourist Development Council during its regular meeting this Thursday.
The requests are separated into each of the weekly events and all are accompanied by separate economic impact estimates. Each request ranges from $7,000 to $10,000.
In total, WEC estimates daily attendance for each event between 1,000 to 2,000 at the event when it returns at the beginning of next year.
The economic impact estimates are comprised of sales in lodging, transportation, food, retail, and recreational activities.
According to an economic impact summary for the first week of the event, approximately $1,117,193 is expected in direct sales. The summary also indicates that approximately 1,720 day visitors are expected, as well as 737 overnight attendees for that week of the event.
The second week of the series shows a projected economic impact of around $1,043,090 and every week thereafter, each subsequent event is expected to generate a direct economic impact greater than $1 million.
In addition to the weekly direct sales, WEC estimates that each of the events should generate over $500,000 in indirect sales as well.
According to WEC’s website, the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series takes place from December 31, 2025, through March 22, 2026.
The series features 10 weeks of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) competition, including the FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala in February and the second leg of the Longines League of Nations set for March.
The Marion County Tourist Development Council next meets on Thursday, September 25, at 8 a.m. at the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau Conference Room (109 W Silver Springs Boulevard).
Regardless of the recommendation from the council, the funding will be reviewed by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners during an upcoming meeting for a final decision.