It’s going to be bigger than you think.

That’s the advice from Mike Seitz, president of the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce. The county fairgrounds in La Porte, Ind., hosted the Red Power Roundup last year.

In fact, he said the chamber and convention and visitors bureau in that city at one point were concerned that the local merchants weren’t thinking it was as big of a deal as it was going to be. The chamber and CVB held a press conference and gave some advice.

They suggested that merchants and restaurants adjust their hours so that they would be open when Red Power Roundup events finish in the evening.

They suggested the places had adequate staffing so they don’t get caught with large crowds lacking service.

And they urged everyone to make sure the visitors felt duly welcomed.

There were other behind-the-scenes things they did, such as making sure Red Power Roundup people knew where to find local hotels and restaurants, but spreading awareness in advance of just how large the festival was going to be was a key factor for La Porte officials.

So let’s be clear: We suggest everyone get ready. Albert Lea is going to host a big festival.

The Red Power Roundup happens on June 23, 24 and 25 but there will be preparation on June 21 and 22. The festival likely will more than double the city’s population. Albert Lea has 18,000 residents. The Roundup could bring about 24,000 to 30,000 people.

These fans of International Harvester products will stay at local hotels and motels and at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. They will dine at local restaurants, and they will shop at local stores. The places that are open will get the business.

And it is all happening next month. The schedule has events at the Roundup happening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

So plan accordingly …