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Business boom during race weekend in Monroe County

Thousands are traveling from the racetracks to the many restaurants and other stores surrounding Pocono Raceway this weekend.

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — From cases of beer stacked several pallets high to more than 350 different kinds of candy, Harmony Beverage has something for every race fan who made the trek to the Tricky Triangle.

"When the campers start coming in, we are selling a lot of propane to fill up their tanks; we obviously sell a lot of beer. Ice, the candy, the popcorn, peanuts, firewood; we pretty much have it all," said Paul Wisnieski, Harmony Beverage Owner.

From familiar faces to new customers, Owner Paul Wisnieski says everyone is welcome on his business's biggest weekend.

"It's kind of the Super Bowl of our year. You know everybody up here on the mountain, especially all the small local businesses, they really count on this to make the revenue for their business to make their year," added Wisnieski.

At Nick's Lake House, the longtime driver turned spectator Mike Wallace, the younger brother of Nascar Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, spent time with friends enjoying all the Poconos has to offer. 

"Sitting at the bar at Lake Harmony, you know, having a good time and a lot of great people here and a lot of charitable events going on in town, it sounds like, and we're just going to enjoy it, and Sunday evening, I'll be back in Charlotte North Carolina," said Wallace.

As visitors like Wallace enjoyed the night, Owner Louis Pantages checked on tables; he expects to be busy all weekend.

"Well, we have to order more product, more beer, more food, more everything; you know, be prepared, be staffed, and be ready for a great weekend," said Louis Pantages, Nick's Lake House Owner.

After 37 years, Pantages says the sport has had a tremendous impact on the area, and he is reminded of this every year.

"Looking forward to seeing some old friends, some old fans, some great people, some great customers. They come back year after year."

One more fan will join the thousands of visitors in the Poconos this weekend. Governor Josh Shapiro will be at the Tricky Triangle this Sunday for The Cup Series in the Great American Getaway 400.

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