Brickfest crowds help local businesses

MALVERN, AR - Everyone is excited about Brickfest, from the kids to the animals to the businesses.

They expect more than 11,000 people in Malvern this weekend. That means big business for the few hotels in town, like the Comfort Inn.

"I would say business is up maybe 30, 40-percent," said Comfort Inn Employee Michael Ollar.

The same can be said for the vendors, like Randy Lowe. He didn't set up his booth until Friday -- and now he regrets it.

"There was so many cars out there," he said. "At least 200 trying to get in here so I mean it was a really good crowd last night. Really great crowd."

The numbers have even surprised Nikki Launius, who works at the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce.

"It helps the economy tremendously," she said. "I don't know how many times a dollar turns over here, but our chamber members say that it really helps their businesses."

And of course, it's not all about the businesses. The kids - and those animals - seem to be having a pretty good time too.

Brickfest runs through Saturday night at City Park in Malvern.