The Little League World Series is a time for merchants, owners of restaurants and bars and those in the hospitality businesses to shine.

“The Little League World Series greatly contributes to the shops and restaurants in the community,” said Jason Fink, CEO and president, Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, 104 W. Fourth St.

“Downtown Williamsport sees an uptick in those shopping when they’re not at the games to grab a keepsake to take with them,” he said. “We also see an increase in those visitors that also do shopping for back-to-school. Savvy parents plan this because of Pennsylvania’s no tax on clothing items.”

However, it’s not just Williamsport that sees the impact with visitors staying at hotels outside and Airbnb-style lodging outside the city, Fink added.

Shops and restaurants outside of the city also see this increase in activity during the Series.

The increase in foot traffic, especially during the time when people and visitors are not attending the venue in South Williamsport, is important to the Williamsport business community.

The store managers and employees seem up to the task of handling the many more visitors.

“We have seen an uptick in foot traffic starting yesterday and a huge uptick right before lunch today,” said the employees at Julie’s Cafe, 33 W. Third St.

“We always anticipate right before the games to be busier so we have staffed it accordingly. We love it! To be busier,” Julie’s Cafe staff said.

The downtown offers a place for down time in between games, early hours, and during rain showers.

“We are opening at 7 a.m. for coffee and books,” said the owners of Otto Bookstore, 107 W. Fourth St.

“A nice respite for parents who need a little break from the hustle and bustle. The special hours will run through the end of the tournament. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free coffee.

The unique offerings downtown are a must-stop for visitors. The store along with its neighbor, Gustonian Gifts, 357 Pine St., has limited edition Little League pins for 2024.

“We have specials as low as $10 on items,” said Karen Ciccarelli, co-owner of The Clothier, which is among the finest menswear stores in the nation — right here in Lycoming County’s largest city and host to Williamsport Welcomes the World on Friday.

She and husband, Francis, along with their son, Matthew, welcome the many visitors downtown and offer personalized customer service for anything needed from head to toe.

Speciality candy shops, such as Le Chocolat, 420 Pine St. and Lang’s Chocolates, 350 Pine St., have their arms open wide and staff ready to provide speciality gifts, or that sweet treat to nosh on while spending time in the city.

Many stores in the area offer their own 2024 Little League collector pins.

At the Crooked Goose, a British pub-style bar and restaurant at 155 W. Fourth St., Joe Everett, manager, said the Grand Slam Parade brought in plenty of foot traffic and customers looking for a meal, cocktail or craft beer.

He said he was hopeful for visitors to check out the spot in between games. “We’re overstaffed,” he said.

Among the baseball-themed fare this year is the All American Smash Burger with bacon and garlic aioli and a beef and garbanzo soup du jour, which is French for soup of the day.

The downtown has a lively and robust restaurant scene and it has a number of coffee shops and cafes. Tourists and those staying at hotels should make sure to stop by The Mulberry Moose, 423 Mulberry St., and visit with Nicole Desaulniers, owner and the staff at the shop which specializes in plush toys, games, dress up, puzzles and baby items.

“We have had tourist cards distributed in hotels,” she said.

The business, along with other merchants, will have booths outside downtown to check out items for sale at the Williamsport Welcomes the World festival on Friday evening.

Williamsport Welcomes the World is the annual celebration during the Little League World Series in downtown Williamsport.

Over 20,000 people participated in the 2023 event.

The street festival has a variety of programs including live music, kids zones full of fun and free activities, along with various food and merchandise vendors. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m.