Tournaments, events pack an economic punch

Last weekend, the Medford Curling Club hosted the three-day Running Tree Maple Syrup Bonspiel, bringing in more than 100 curlers from as far away as Houston, Tex. to compete and have a good time.

At the same time in Stetsonville, 87 sleds were entered in the Tired Iron Snowmobile Show and hundreds of other fans of classic snowmobiles stopped to check them out and take part in the event.

On any given weekend morning, area school gyms are busy hosting youth tournaments, bringing in hundreds of players, fans and their families.

Similar things occur when community groups host ice fishing contests, shooting competitions, quilt shows, and other events. It gives people an excuse to come to the area for a good time.

All of these events are, in part, designed to raise money for their respective causes and organizations. Often this is just to sustain their own programs and to have the money to host next year’s event.

Beyond the direct benefit to the host organizations, these events bring with them numerous benefits to the entire community. Visitors for multi-day events rent motel rooms which provides revenue for those locallyowned businesses and generates room tax revenue which goes to help future events get started.

Those driving into the community stop to fuel up and get snacks for the road, bringing outside money into the local economy and paying into the local county sales tax, which in is used to reduce property taxes at the local level.

It is common to see teams and fans stopping at area restaurants and spending money to support these businesses. During breaks at these events many visitors can be seen checking out local businesses and spending time at area taverns and entertainment areas. All of this generates economic impact.

On top of visitor contributions, is the money the host organizations spend to put on events, a significant portion of which is spent locally, further generating economic growth.

Through the multiplier effect, every dollar spent in the local economy is circulated at least five times, meaning that the $10 tip at the local restaurant brings $50 worth of economic impact to the local economy. This may not seem like a lot, but when spread across many hundreds of visitors spending money, the economic impact of these tournaments and events easily reaches into the thousands and maybe even tens of thousands of dollars.

This economic activity is good for the local business community and for all area residents who benefit from not only having things to do on cold and sloppy winter weekends, but throughout the year.