NORWICH – For 23 years, the Gus Macker tournament has brought thousands of basketball fans to the businesses that call downtown Norwich home.

While it's impossible to calculate a monetary amount, business owners in Norwich agree that the 3-on-3 weekend basketball tournament brings in customers new and old to their stores along Broad and Main Streets, year-in and year-out.

City of Norwich Mayor Christine Carnrike said Gus Macker is a positive event every year for the Norwich community.

"I expect our merchants do well with extra foot traffic downtown and our local restaurants and bars see increased patronage Macker weekend each year," said Carnrike.

"It is a testament to the people, organizations and businesses in the greater Norwich area who all give through time, talent and sponsorships to continue the success of Gus Macker weekend for 23 years in the City of Norwich."

McLaughlin's Department Store is one business that has been stationed in downtown Norwich since before the tournament came to town in 1995.

Owner of McLaughlin's, Anna McLaughlin said, "We see a lot of customers Gus Macker weekend. We actually see a nice mix of customers from out of town visiting for the games, and we also see local shoppers who are out because of the games as well."

Every year McLaughlin's sets up a sidewalk sale for Gus Macker weekend, bringing its shoes outside of the store for people to peruse. McLaughlin said the sidewalk sale has become something people anticipate every year over Macker weekend.

Another business that's benefited from the Norwich tournament since its inception is Chenango Inn & Suites, formerly Howard Johnson's.