WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Little League World Series draws thousands of visitors from all over the world, and those visitors help boost the economy in the Williamsport area over the course of the two-week tournament.
"From the business side of it, this is really our Black Friday here in our community. During these 11 days, it's great to be able to see the people who are going into our shops—we got some great shops here in Lycoming County, and they're all active during this period of time because of all the visitors that are here," said Jason Fink, Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce CEO.
According to the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, the Little League World Series brings in around $32 million for the local economy every year. Visitors spend money on everything from lodging to food.
"We hear from everybody Williamsport and Lycoming County—we've got some really great places to find food, great meals," said Fink.
Restaurant owners tell Newswatch 16 that they see a big increase in business every August when the Little League World Series rolls around.
"It's great for our little town to have some national exposure we get to our small little Williamsport's put on the map every year for the world to see," said Tony Ecker owner of Brickyard Restaurant and Ale House.
Thousands of baseball fans turn into thousands of customers throughout the Williamsport area. Amiee Hertwig owns Sprinkled Sweet Artisan and Bakery. She says she sees people walking around every morning, searching for a cup of coffee and something to satisfy their sweet tooth.
"These past two weeks are when the town comes alive. The city of Williamsport welcoming the world has been wonderful. I've been here for a little over nine years now and every year it gets better and better," said Amiee Hertwig owner of Sprinkled Sweet Artisan and Bakery.