Visitors by the thousands are flocking to Dillon Lake this Memorial Day Weekend for the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships.

The competition spans over two days — Friday and Saturday — and is expected to draw in crowds between 10 and 12 thousand in support of 36 high school rowing teams from across the country.

The event typically brings in around $500,000 to the local community, according to the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Association.

“It’s truly thousands of guests coming into our area, and they definitely eat out. Our restaurants benefit. Our food vendors benefit. Our gas stations benefit,” said Vice President of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Ashby. “So we need to make sure that people are prepared and know that there’ll be reservations for a group of 50 or group of 60, and we want folks to be very accommodating so that they’ll have a great experience while they’re here.”

Hotels are booked solid throughout Muskingum County and surrounding counties. According to Ashby, Rowers stay as far as Marietta for the national competition.

In addition to hotels, the campground and cabins at Dillon State Park, as well as area bed and breakfasts, almost all sell out during the weekend.

Local spectators are welcome and encouraged to watch the races. The first heat both Friday and Saturday begins at 8 a.m., with the last heat beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday and 4:25 p.m. Saturday.

Information about the race, including parking details and the schedule, is available at www.sraa.net.