Pocono News Section

Business Booms During Little League World Series

Business Booms During Little League World Series - Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 5:13PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 @ 05:13pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

During a slow economy the Little League World Series does wonders for the Williamsport area with the thousands of people it attracts. Business owners in the region are soaking it up.

Twenty million dollars! That's the amount some experts estimate is pumped into the local economy over these two weeks. Nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops certainly appreciate the added business.

Even Knoebel's Amusement Resort in Elysburg attributed their record attendance this past weekend in part to Little League.

Back in Billtown, Casale's Subs owner Sylvia Klopp is loving it. Klopp explained, "Business has been great. I see a lot of Little Leaguers here. The parade was a big hit. The team from Hawaii was in. Very nice people, got to meet a lot of people from different areas and it's been really good downtown."

From fans and parents to ballplayers and even T. V. crew members, thousands of people will check out some of the hidden treasures in downtown Williamsport during the Little League World Series. And that has business owners smiling.

Fred Daniele, owner of Franco’s Lounge, explained, "Just visiting with people from all over the world is kind of neat. You never know who's showing up. Whether it be a retired Hall of Famer, some celebrity that played Little League as a kid, it's just great stuff."

Business owners we spoke with say reaction from Little League fans around the country and the world has been extremely positive.

They credit that sentiment to the warmth and hospitality of the region. Daniele added, "It's just been great. The whole experience of Little League has really helped our little town through the years, that's for sure."

Many local businesses even make special accommodations. For example, extending their hours to cater to their Little League customers during the World Series.