This weekend, thousands of people will make their way to the 52nd annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo, bringing with them a stream of sales tax revenue and business for the city.

Opp Mayor H.D. Edgar said the Rattlesnake Rodeo weekend is a “big economic boost for Opp.”

“It is a huge economic boon for our city,” he said. “We’ll have over 20,000 people visit the city. I’ve been told a dollar turns over seven times. The restaurants and hotels are going to be busy for the weekend.”

Edgar said he has no way of knowing the specific amount of revenue the city brings in from the sales taxes.

Last year, the city’s sales taxes for April, remitted in May, were around $162,257; however, City Clerk Connie Smith said the number may not be a true testament of the actual sales tax revenue collected.

“Say for instance a business doesn’t pay on time, that could make a big difference in the amount that is shown and wouldn’t be an accurate reflection of the sales tax collected,” Smith said.

For 2010 and 2009, the sales tax remitted during the rodeo months was $170,203, and $170,899 in 2008.

Still, city officials remain hopeful the rodeo will bring in needed revenue for the city.

“We hope people will come out to Opp this weekend and enjoy our festivities and great entertainment, and patronize our local businesses,” Edgar said.

Gates open at Channel-Lee Stadium at 3 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Travis Tritt will hit the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, and Gretchen Wilson at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are $30 for the weekend, $20 per day or $10 on Saturday before 3 p.m.