SOUTH BEND ― This is the only time of year when you can drive by an area hotel and quite possibly catch some bedazzled youth in a parking lot practicing incredible feats with a baton.
Known for many years as America’s Youth on Parade, the name of the event has been changed this year to the National Baton Twirling Championships, but the energy and the summertime economic boost that the organization and the contestants bring to the area remain unchanged.
Except for a break during the pandemic in 2020, the event has called South Bend home since 1970 with all competitions scheduled for Purcell Pavilion on the University of Notre Dame campus.
“It’s amazing for the hospitality industry,” said Noor Hadzimesic, area director of sales for the Inn at Saint Mary’s and the Hilton Garden Inn in South Bend. “It’s a citywide sell out.”
While most hotels do well on weekends because of amateur sporting events, the baton twirlers are unique in that they provide a big lift during the work week with many arriving on Sunday and remaining till the weekend.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Hotels get a nice boost during the summertime lull on area campuses as well as restaurants, retailers and perhaps other area attractions that might be used to entertain families while they’re here.
“They’re very talented individuals who bring a good vibe to town,” said Hadzimesic, adding that both hotels near campus are sold out for the week and Bistro 933 at the Hilton Garden Inn has had increased business, as well.
Events, which run through Friday at Purcell Pavilion, are free and open to the public and include competitions for kids up to college age students representing most major athletic conferences, said Dennis Kaminski, event director. Those interested in visiting can find the schedule of events at the National Baton Twirling Association website.
This is Kaminski's first year running the annual event, but he’s been coming here since 1972 ― first as a competitor and then as a judge and event coordinator.
“As the National Baton Twirling Championships enter a new era, we’re thrilled to continue the tradition of hosting it at Notre Dame,” he said. “Our participants and spectators look forward to it every year and the community does a wonderful job of welcoming everyone.”
There are about 2,000 competitors, but the local tourism organization ― Visit South Bend/Mishawaka ― estimates that the event attracts about 8,000 because nearly all contestants travel with families, plus there are vendors offering everything from costumes to equipment.
Jeff Jarnecke, executive director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka, estimated that the event is filling about 500 to 600 hotel rooms each night, and that doesn’t include groups that are staying in short-term rentals.
“The 2023 event generated an economic impact of about $1.3 million,” Jarnecke said, adding that the annual championship kicks off a strong two-week period for the local hospitality industry with a large youth baseball tournament with about 1,000 players ― the ETS World Series ― running through Sunday and then the 2024 Scrabble Players Championship running through Wednesday July 24 at Century Center.
“Having the baton twirling championships is a big boost for the community,” Jarnecke said. “But putting all three events together gives the hospitality industry a run that they don’t typically get in the summertime.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0