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Square Dancers return to Cincinnati in 2017

TheNational Square Dance Convention is coming back to Cincinnati after 25 years.  TheCincinnati U-S-A Convention and Visitors Bureau is announcing Tuesday morning the city will host the event in July 2017. 

If you were here the last time around, you might remember thousands of square dancers promenading through the downtown streets.  The convention won't be as big this time around.  Co-Chair Steve Stoehr says when the convention was here in 1992 it brought about 20-thousand people Downtown. He expects about 6,000 this time. 

Stoehr says even with the smaller numbers he expects all 50 states will be represented along with Canada, a few European Countries, and China. 

CVB President and CEO Dan Lincoln says it will bring up to $2-million to the local economy thanks to money spent on hotel rooms, meals and attractions.  Lincoln says although the conference is a moderate size for the city, he expects it will draw many people from the region for day trips along with the overnight visitors. 

Lincoln says the CVB can also use the Square dancers to encourage other groups to bring their conventions to Cincinnati.  The 66th Annual National Square Dance convention will be held June 21-24, 2017.

Maryanne Zeleznik is responsible for all news and public affairs programming at WVXU. She also hosts Morning Edition Monday through Friday.