DANVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With the first Presidential Debate over, attention now focuses on Danville, Kentucky, the site of next week's Vice Presidential Debate at Centre College.
The city is getting ready to become the center of the political world. The city of Danville has been painted and paved and primped and prepared for its time in the international spotlight.
It's going to be a banner week as this city of 16,000 welcomes some 50,000 visitors; they are guests who will spend millions of dollars. "It really does enhance our community in many ways, for our restaurants, our hotels, our retail stores. So, yes, it's a big boom," said Paula Fowler of the Danville Chamber of Commerce.
That's what the owners of the Piscara restaurant are counting on. It opened just five days ago. "People will know about us. People will talk about us, our food, our cuisine, our restaurant, our style in the restaurant," said owner Nash Perosevic.
Long-time Danville business Thoroughbred Threads has the license to provide debate merchandise, and can barely keep up with demand. Business here will increase by at least 50 percent above normal. "We're happy to have it. It's a good problem to have, but we've got a lot of work ahead of us," said owner Marty Sullivan.
Danville will spend $100,000 to stage this event. But city officials know after hosting the debate in 2000, the expense is well worth it. "We couldn't buy the type of publicity at any price, really, that we will get out of this event," said city manager Ron Scott.
The impact will be felt long after the debate is over. "It makes Danville a household name for a little while and we hope we can take advantage of that," said Mayor Bernie Hustad.
This site marks the spot where Kentucky's constitution was signed in 1792 here in Danville. The city is set to make history again next week.
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