Air Dot Show draws tens of thousands, generating millions for local businesses as crowds return with improved weather Sunday.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Rain delayed the start of the Air Dot Show on Saturday, but thousands of visitors are still expected to travel to the Harrisburg area over the weekend, providing a significant boost to local businesses.
Video captured earlier in the week shows pilots arriving ahead of the event, which Visit Hershey-Harrisburg officials say typically draws about 40,000 visitors.
Organizers estimate the show generates nearly $7 million for local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses across the region. The event is also expected to support around 2,000 jobs throughout the weekend.
“If you drive through the Middletown area this weekend, you’ll see people, you know, having picnics in their backyard,” said Sharon Myers from Visit Hershey-Harrisburg. “You’ll see restaurants with decks full because people are watching, people pulled over alongside the road. It just draws a lot of people to the region, even if they don’t actually buy a ticket.”
With clearer weather forecast for Sunday, organizers are anticipating strong crowds when the show resumes. Gates open at 9 a.m.