The 500-mile endurance race has played an essential part in brining funds to the Sault Ste. Marie area.
SAULT STE. MARIE -- Sault Ste. Marie has been enjoying a boost in business this week.
The International 500 snowmobile race doesn’t begin until Saturday morning, but festivities leading up to the main event have been drawing in fans all week long.
The 500-mile endurance race has played an essential part in brining funds to the Sault Ste. Marie area.
Between 9,000 and 11,000 fans are expected to generate around three million dollars in revenue. The I-500 is one of the biggest events during Sault Ste. Marie’s winter months.
Despite the slumping economy, the community is expecting a great turnout.
“You have to realize that this does bring millions of dollars into this community in the wintertime,” said Linda Hoath, the Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. “For us to have this kind of an event going on for 41 years, it is extremely important to the Upper Peninsula.”
Race officials tell TV6 they’ve been seeing the same number of fans as years past. For complete race coverage and results, tune into Saturday’s Late News at 11 p.m.
Jade Olds - TV6 Contributor, Sault Ste. Marie
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC