Hall of Fame Weekend drawing in thousands of baseball fans
By
By EMMA WRIGHT
Story Created:
Jul 23, 2010 at 12:38 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jul 23, 2010 at 1:22 PM EDT
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (WKTV) - It's the busiest weekend of the year in Cooperstown. Thousands of people are in town to see eight-time all star outfielder Andre Dawson, umpire Doug Harvey and six-time Division winning manager Whitey Herzog join the roster of baseball's all time greats.
Fans from Florida to New Hampshire have made the trip. Last year alone, over 20,000 people came to see the induction ceremonies. The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce says they're expecting about the same number this year. Hotels and motels are all booked up.
Many people make Hall of Fame Weekend a family vacation. On any given day this week, people have been dropping by and asking for information on restaurants and places to go. Of course the biggest draw is the induction ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
There are also some new events this year, including a Parade of Legends that will happen on Saturday. Hall of Fame members will walk through the downtown area. That's also expected to draw some big crowds.
Everyone in general is very excited about the next few days, "Hall of Fame Weekend means that we need to be prepared," said Angela Chadwell of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. "There will be a tremendous amount of traffic in and out of our doors. Whether you're a retail merchant, whether you're a dining, or a lodging establishment, you plan for this weekend all year long. This is our big one."
Also new this year, the Baseball Hall of Fame will cross paths with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. John Fogerty and his song "Centerfield" will also be inducted into the Hall. That is the first time the honor has ever been given to a musician.
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