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City to see impact of game

Iron Bowl could bring economic boost to Dadeville

By Laura Johnson | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, November 25, 2009

This weekend thousands of football fans will stream through Dadeville for the Iron Bowl and they are likely to make a few stops along the way, which will add up to extra dollars for the businesses that line U.S. 280.

“There will be a lot of cars going down to Auburn,” said Don McClellan, executive director of the Lake Martin Economic Development Alliance. “I’m sure the restaurants and the service stations will benefit from it. All the way up the 280 corridor they’ll see a benefit.”

Dadeville Mayor Mike Ingram said the majority of fans stopping in Dadeville will likely shop at the convenience stores and the grocery stores where they will likely purchase refreshments and tailgating supplies to avoid the crowd in Auburn.

One local business, the Creekside Lodge and Conference Center, has already seen the impact of the big game. Most of their 29 rooms have been reserved in advance.

“We’re almost 100 percent booked this weekend,” front desk manager Blaine McGregor said. “It’s because people who are coming for the Iron Bowl are staying all weekend.”

McGregor said the Iron Bowl crowd has been boosted by Thanksgiving travelers, many of whom plan to stay in town for the game and for the remainder of the weekend.

Dadeville residents are sure to see an upsurge in traffic for the weekend, but it is difficult to guess how much their presence will boost the local economy.

“It was such a tremendous success last year,” Butcher said. “It really helped the food bank.”

Organizers are also looking for help manning the scenes over the three days in December. The pageant is looking for individuals, families, or groups of three or four to help. Everyone 5 years-old and older are welcome to participate in a variety of capacities.

Volunteers can work to help erect scenes, work as members of the cast, serve refreshments and donate refreshments, according to organizer Karen White.

Volunteers can work one of three 45-minute shifts on any of the nights, White said.

“This is a moving and inspirational way to share the Christmas spirit with friends and family whether you drive through or participate,” White said.

Anyone who would like to participate in the pageant as a volunteer can call White at 256-825-6233, or Butcher at 256-825-8451 to sign up.

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