“It will help put Polk County on the map as an outdoor enthusiast destination,” Weicker said. “Tourism is our biggest industry. It is an industry, nonetheless, that we’d be foolish to ignore.”

Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden said he wholeheartedly supports the games. He said when Grace came to the city last year and wanted to have the awards ceremony for the Green Race, businesses had their highest grossing day in their history.

“Everybody was well mannered, everyone got along well and had a good time,” said Baisden.

Saluda Business Association President Sara Bell said her board has met several times regarding the games and supports the event. She said members of the business association reported record sales on the weekend of the Green Race awards ceremony and this event falls right in line with the mission statement of the N.C. Small Town Main Street Program, which Saluda has been chosen to participate.

“We know this event will bring in a demographic we need and want in our town,” Bell said.

“I don’t think we all know what this event will do for our area in terms of branding our area as an outdoor destination,” she added.