More people are visiting the Quad Cities this August compared to August, 2015. The convention and visitors bureau says tourists are here for the John Deere Classic, which is usually held in July. And the Quad City Symphony Orchestra changed the date of its Riverfront Pops concert from September to August.
Bureau President and CEO, Joe Taylor, says events this week and next directly affect the Quad Cities economy. "All these activities take people to clean hotel rooms and serve food to customers. People are employed because of the activity going on."
A study conducted just last year shows the John Deere Classic has a $50 million local impact.
Taylor says sports, music, and festivals also provide indirect benefits. "They make the Quad Cities fun! It's a quality of life issue. We can animate our community and let people know there are lots of things to do after 5 p.m. That makes the Quad Cities even more attractive."
Other local events over the next two weeks include the International Softball Congress Men’s Fastball World Tournament, starting on Saturday at Moline's Green Valley Sports Complex. And the Great River Tug Fest runs Thursday through Saturday in LeClaire and Port Byron.
