Local businesses see influx of visitors during Chiefs Training Camp

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Chiefs training camp brings thousands of visitors to St. Joseph, and local businesses are seeing the same influx.

Businesses like Cool Crest Garden Golf and Cup of Joe Coffee had a visit from Chiefs long snapper James Winchester. St. Joseph Museum inspireU has also been seeing some crowds.

"We saw 200 more people than we’ve had seen in a week before and the first week and a half here," Katherine Patterson-Paronto, director of inspireU said.

InspireU usually sees an uptick in families visiting during the afternoon.

"We think because they've been at that hot camp all in the morning, and the little ones need a break, a cool spot to play," Patterson-Paronto said. "For us, we’re that spot for families to come and play together, and not have to deal with the heat."

Patterson-Paronto said it’s important for InspireU to have additional visitors come from outside St. Joseph.

"It gives us a little bump while we’re here, and we love that extra energy," she said. "We know when we see a bunch of Chiefs jerseys, those folks are coming in to enjoy their time with us."

InspireU hopes to see more visitors as camp continues.

"We think that we see more families coming in to have a good time, and get out of that weather for sure," Patterson-Paronto said.

Chiefs training camp ends Aug. 20.