KALKASKA -- Kalkaska’s Winterfest draws in hundreds of folks eager to check out the largest dog sled races in the Midwest and for local business that means a spike in business. 

Businesses say this annual weekend event has always been a boost to revenue and foot traffic and that this year they expect the same thing.

Grocery stores, pizza shops, restaurants, motels, and bars are already preparing for the big weekend by making sure they're properly staffed and well supplied. 

General Manager of Breakfast and Burgers Express Keisha Nygren says, “We do get excited about the Winterfest, generally this time of year it brings in a lot of extra people, we have extra food on hand and staff--washing dishes and tables so we are prepared."

Winterfest provides a refreshing boost in traffic in a sometimes slow-paced winter.