AIKEN - As horses race into town for the Aiken Triple Crown, so will dollars and spectators, bringing money into local stores, restaurants and hotels.
Although there hasnít been a comprehensive study of the Triple Crownís economic impact in more than a decade, the three consecutive weekends of equine sports are expected to drag in a total of $400,000 to $500,000 in tax revenue for city and county coffers, said Robbie Doying, the tourism program coordinator for Aiken County.
"We don't have any numbers, but we know it's bringing in a lot of people and businesses," said June Murff, a former Aiken Chamber of Commerce chairwoman. "It's like the Masters Tournament is for Augusta."
Aiken County also will see another estimated $100,000 in tax revenue from the Augusta-Aiken County Regatta held March 20, the same weekend as the Aiken Steeplechase, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
In addition to ringing cash registers and the excitement of fast-moving horses, the Triple Crown gives a boost to local charities, civic groups and the athletic teams of the University of South Carolina Aiken.
The Aiken Trials, held at Aiken Training Track, draw up to 10,000 spectators for the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown. This is the only annual fund-raising event for the Aiken Jaycees and has generated about $10,000 for the group in the past.
"We base our year on the day of the Aiken Trials," Aiken Jaycees President Avery Snipes said. "How much we can do in the community depends on how well the event does."
Proceeds from the Aiken Trials go to Camp Hope in Clemson, which features a team-building course for the mentally challenged where people use problem-solving skills to climb ropes and telephone poles. Mr. Fanning said money from the trials also makes it possible for Jaycees to purchase carnations for nursing home patients and do other service projects.
While the Aiken Trials are well-attended, the marquee event is the Aiken Steeplechase. The second leg of the Triple Crown has a huge economic impact on the community, bringing nearly 30,000 spectators to town, said Mia Brasco, an event coordinator for Aiken Steeplechase Association.
All 68 rooms of Hotel Aiken have sold out for the steeplechase weekend, and Willcox Inn is almost sold out. Downtown restaurants, bars and businesses also see an increase in foot traffic and customers.
"It's one of our busiest weekends of the year, and we have a lot of repeat business from year to year," said Kishen Shah, one of the partners of Hotel Aiken.
The Aiken Steeplechase helps raise money for Aiken County Rescue Squad and Helping Hands Inc., an emergency shelter for children.
The shelter currently serves more than 100 children in Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield and Richland counties, Executive Director Shadie Hall said. In past years, they received as much as $30,000, but last year the nonprofit organization received only $10,000 from the event.
"The money allows us to by everything from food to clothing to medical care for children who have nowhere else to go," Mrs. Hall said.
This is the first year the third leg of the Triple Crown will feature a polo tournament. This fast-rising "Sport of Kings" event replaces harness racing, requiring a move to Powderhouse Polo Field across from Ford Conger Field, the site of the steeplechase.
Despite the change, University of South Carolina Aiken Athletic Director Randy Warrick expects to raise about $20,000, roughly the same as past years.
"We don't know what to expect this year, but we've had good response from the community and that is encouraging," said Mr. Warrick, who said he has seen a resurgence of polo in Aiken in the past five years.
Reach Karen Ethredge at (803) 648-1395.
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