LEWISBURG -- The PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships started Wednesday at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. The event not only gives high school athletes a chance to make a splash against their competition. The event is a big boost to the economy in the Central Susquehanna Valley.
PIAA officials estimate around 5,000 people will walk through the doors in the next four days during the high school state swimming and diving championships. Lewisburg is too far for most families and teams to commute. That means the event is an added cost for parents, like one group from Plymouth.
"It's something we're going to cherish for the rest of our lives with our kids so we wouldn't miss it. Is it costly? Absolutely, but it's worth every penny," Bonnie Mackiewicz said.
While the state championships are an expense for athletes and their families, businesses in the Lewisburg area benefit.
"We get a lot of people who come for lunches and dinners," Dale Walize said.
The Lewisburg Hotel on Market Street is not only a restaurant and bar. As its name states, it's also a hotel.
"We have some families staying here and the Pennsylvania Cable Network is staying here because they televise all the swim meets and diving meets," Walize said.
According to the Susquehanna Valley Visitor's Bureau, the economic impact from the event is more than $1 million.
Some stores in downtown Lewisburg are making swimmers, divers, and their families feel very welcome by offering 15 percent off shopping passes.
"This is Mardi Gras, Christmas, and everything all dumped into one," Mary Jones said.
"D & J Sports" is a popular place this week and the store even has a stand at Bucknell University.
The event runs through Saturday at Bucknell.