The local economy is cashing in on Silver Stick again.
About 70 minor hockey teams are in town this weekend for the 48th annual Sarnia International Silver Stick tournament.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton's Vicky Praill says local hotels were fully booked weeks, if not months, ahead of the event.
She says the weekend is huge for the local economy, at a time of year when tourism numbers are typically down.
"With parents and families, there's probably around 5,000 people coming down that will be here for anywhere from two to three nights," says Praill. "They're eating breakfast, lunch and supper, they're going to the show, going to local sports stores, the mall, getting gas. The economic spinoff of this tournament is huge for our community."
Praill has estimated in the past that the various Silver Stick tournaments generate as much as $5-million in revenue.
She adds it's a great opportunity to showcase the area with teams coming from as far away as San Jose, Tampa Bay, Chicago and Toronto.
Praill also commends the countless volunteers who make Silver Stick possible.