The Trump rally in Johnstown Friday will bring a large wave of people into the city for the day.
Reporter Brock Owens spoke with local businesses about what they expect and how they’re preparing.
It’s expected that the streets of Downtown Johnstown will be lined with thousands of people on Friday for the Donald Trump Rally, which could have an effect on the economy and some local restaurants tell me that they expect that it to, and they expect huge turnouts.
The Johnstown area is getting set for the Trump Rally on Friday.
There’s now a tent set up in the parking lot of the old Wolf Furniture along Scalp Avenue in Richland Township where Trump gear can be purchased.
The people running the gear shop say they travel with the campaign and there will be thousands of items including flags, hats and shirts available from about 9 a.m. Until dark Wednesday through this Friday.
With in influx of people the rally is certain to bring to town what are local restaurants expecting.
“Packed. I have people calling saying, can I make reservations, and it’s just a small place so I’m doing what I can possibly do.”
“I’m expecting a really big turnout. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a rally of this magnitude in the area.”
They say condensed menus to get food out quicker and American themes are possibilities at some restaurants in the area Friday.
“I have some phone calls in to some of my staff right now to see if they can do some extra hours because it was relatively short notice.”
“It was short term but you have to be ready for anything in this business, so we’re ready.”
But of course with likely thousands coming into town it won’t be easy.
“I think it’s going to be enormous. He has a big following of people, so I think the downtown area and the businesses down here are going to thrive from it.”
It’s not just restaurants it’s other businesses like hotels.
I spoke with several in the Johnstown area. Some aren’t seeing a difference while others say they’re booked well but the Holiday Inn a block away from First Summit Arena tells me it’s completely booked Thursday and Friday.
“So it’s going to help all the way around, so it works for everybody.”
As a reminder the Trump Rally is expected to begin at 4:30 with doors opening at First Summit Arena at 12:30 Friday Afternoon.