Jazz Fest boosts local economy

ELKHART, Ind. -- The biggest weekend of the year for the city with a heart, is music to the ears of many local business owners.

With thousands of people expected to turn out across 5 stages around the city, and although two of them are free.

Concert goers are expected to spend millions this weekend at local bars, hotels, and restaurants.

“So a lot of the money that is spent here stays here. A lot of the businesses within the downtown core are owned by local people and so that makes it really special that the investments are happening in this area are really the beneficiaries to those who do live here,” said Kristen Smole with the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce.

A study done by the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau shows people traveling to the area spend about $600 million dollars every year, helping support 7,000 local tourism and hospitality jobs.