STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) – Vidalia business owners say this weekend alone helps keep their businesses afloat.
The streets are officially blocked off and the vendors have opened their doors right now to prepare for the biggest weekend out of the year for the small community of Vidalia.
The whole week, the town has hosted different events for the community with movies and art shows for the 48th Vidalia Onion Festival.
However, Thursday evening kicks off the weekend festivities when crowds of people from all over the world come to the small town to see the home of sweet Vidalia onion.
“Not only is it just local, but it’s all over the world. I mean it’s international. So, it draws a lot of business, it causes our town to grow.”
Based on ticket sales and crowds from years past, city leaders say they expect over 20,000 people in town.
Business owners say this weekend alone helps keep their businesses afloat.
“It greatly helps our economy; it’s one of the biggest events.”
“When they come in, they will look forward to coming back. So, I think it will impact my business really good.”
Tonya Parker, the Downtown Vidalia Association Director, says for the community as a whole, millions are made in revenue across the board.
“Professionally I see it because we get money off of hotel motel tax. So, when our hotels are booked out, that helps us. Of course, it helps when visitors are here, they are shopping in our shops, eating in our restaurants. So, it’s a huge economic impact,” said Parker.
Parker and other locals say at the end of the day, it’s all about the onions.
“We have something that can only be grown within this area and so we love it. We are very proud of it. We like to wear it, and we like to eat them,” said Parker.
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