DARLINGTON -- Race season is the most profitable time of the year for many businesses near Darlington Raceway and some miles away.
Heather Jordan has been busy all week ringing up customers. She runs The Chameleon Art Gallery in downtown Darlington and says business is always good, but this week it's even better.
"Our sales probably increase 10 to 12 percent, which is pretty good for our small town so we're very grateful," said Jordan.
Other merchants say race season is their best time of the year.
In fact, officials with the Greater Darlington Chamber say the race brings in abut 35 million dollars a year for Greater Darlington and Florence counties."
"It's definitely a revenue increase for the year. It's a huge benefit to our local grocery stores, gas stations. People get hired to park cars so it has a huge economic impact on the area itself," said Ronald Page, the chamber's executive director.
He says race week creates a different kind of energy in downtown Darlington every year.
"Due to the race being here there is an increase in energy. You can definitely tell by looking outside the window," said Page.
Jordan says the race also allows new people to experience downtown Darlington and to see what it's all about.
"It puts people downtown that have never been to our city before. So, we as people of Darlington try to open our doors," said Jordan.
Many of the merchants go all out for the NASCAR fans.
Some of them put out welcome signs and even hold sidewalk sales to attract fans.
Chamber officials say there is a lot of attractions in Darlington for fans while they're in the area for the race, including Williamson Park. The park is located just a few miles from Historic Downtown Darlington. It's scenery includes over 300 plant and animal species.
The park runs along Swift Creek and has a walking trail. There are also plenty of picnic benches for fans to enjoy a nice lunch.
There's also the NASCAR Walk Of Fame at the Darlington Square off of Pearl Street. It features the names of famous Nascar Drivers.
Fans also make their way to attractions in other parts of the Pee Dee, including Lynches River Park in Florence County.
The park Located on Lynches River features a river swamp with towering cypress trees as well as sand hills offering a wide variety of vegetation. Popular activities include canoeing, nature trails, picnicking, and geocaching.
