BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Downtown streets are busier than usual as the California State Wrestling Championships bring a surge of visitors to Bakersfield. <\/p>\n
While many local businesses are welcoming the boost, some customers say the crowds and traffic can feel a little overwhelming.<\/p>\n
The sounds of downtown right now? Cars circling blocks and packed parking lots.<\/p>\n
For Glenda Wagenseller, that meant making a few extra laps before grabbing lunch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went around about four times and I finally found one in this parking lot,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Wagenseller is a regular at Too Fat Sandwich and says she\u2019s never seen crowds quite like this. <\/p>\n
The influx is tied to the three-day CIF State Wrestling Championships taking place at Mechanics Bank Arena, drawing thousands of athletes, coaches and families to the area.<\/p>\n
Inside Too Fat, the line is long but spirits are high.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to it every year, and we have a lot of returning people. <\/p>\n
We really enjoy getting to see them and talk to them,\u201d said employee Joady Greza.<\/p>\n
Greza says the restaurant sees large groups from wrestling teams and their families throughout the weekend, creating one of their busiest stretches of the year.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s not just sandwich shops feeling the impact.<\/p>\n
Over at California Central Brewing Company, pizzas are flying out of the oven. <\/p>\n
Owner James Tyson says the wave of visitors gives downtown businesses a welcome lift.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever you get thousands of people coming into the downtown area, it\u2019s going to boost the sales of everyone around. We\u2019ve definitely seen an increase,\u201d Tyson said.<\/p>\n
The California State Wrestling Championships wrap up this weekend. If you\u2019re planning a trip downtown, expect heavier traffic, limited parking and a lively atmosphere as Bakersfield plays host to one of the state\u2019s biggest high school sporting events.<\/p>\n
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