An economic and energy boost: AYOP event runs through Thursday at ND's Joyce Center

Ed Semmler, South Bend Tribune
·2 min read
Kylie Cates, 22, from Canton, Ohio, performs a monster twirl in preparation for her performance in the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023. She has been twirling in competitions since she was 2 years old.
Kylie Cates, 22, from Canton, Ohio, performs a monster twirl in preparation for her performance in the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023. She has been twirling in competitions since she was 2 years old.

SOUTH BEND ― An estimated 8,000 visitors and competitors have returned to the area for the annual installment of the national baton twirling championships at the University of Notre Dame.

The annual event, which features energetic youth in colorful outfits demonstrating their baton-twirling skills, has been bringing a surge of summertime energy to the community for 52 years. Other events include majorette contests, parade corps, flag corps, drill teams and cheerleading.

Hosting the annual America’s Youth on Parade event, which continues through Thursday in the North Dome at the Joyce Center, also results in an estimated $1.3 million economic impact for the area, according to Visit South Bend/Mishawaka.

Competition renewed: America's Youth on Parade back to Notre Dame after 2-year absence

The AYOP event is typically a significant driver of business for restaurants, hotels, short-term rentals and stores in the area, said Jeff Jarnecke, executive director of the local tourism organization.

Ashley Dasher, 5, left, waits as Palmer Dasher gets Perry Dasher, 10, into her costume for the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023. They are from Savannah, Ga., and this is not the sisters' first time competing.
Ashley Dasher, 5, left, waits as Palmer Dasher gets Perry Dasher, 10, into her costume for the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023. They are from Savannah, Ga., and this is not the sisters' first time competing.

And the business comes at one of the slower times of the year because football and other activities associated with Notre Dame are in a summertime lull, Jarnecke added.

“It’s always great to have the visitors associated with AYOP back in South Bend for another year,” said Nick Kleva, director of sports development for VSBM. “We know the competitors look forward to their time in our community and we are thrilled to host.”

Competitors gather in the main space of the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023.
Competitors gather in the main space of the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023.

This year is the 76th installment of AYOP, which has been held continuously at Notre Dame — except for the pandemic pause in 2020 and 2021 — since the late 1960s. The 3,000 competitors, which go all the way up to the collegiate level, are typically accompanied by family and coaches, and there are also venders connected to the event.

Competition unitards and dresses are on sale at the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023.
Competition unitards and dresses are on sale at the annual America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend on July 25, 2023.

The competitions are free and open to the public and run throughout the day; the schedule can be found at the AYOP website.

“It’s an event that we’re always happy to host,” Jarnecke said. “And we’re looking to ensure it remains here for the foreseeable future as it’s become a summertime tradition.”

Email Tribune staff writer Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame hosts America's Youth on Parade baton twirling competition