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The City of Pella has rolled out the “Welcome” mats for the thousands of race fans that have converged upon the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” as the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals get ready to begin. Well, perhaps not literal mats, but many Pella storefronts feature some noticable decor that should stand out to race fans.

“I think one of the things that people notice immediately are the race flags that we provide to our members so that they can decorate the front of their stores to let all our guests know that they really do support the racing and the passions that people have for that,” says Karen Eischen, Executive Director of the Pella Chamber of Commerce.

She says local businesses are also catering to sprint car fans by offering both racing-themed items, as well as the one-of-a-kind treasures that Pella is known for.

“Also, some of our local merchants will carry racing merchandise that will appeal to any number of people, along with some of the merchandise that they may not find where they’re from,” said Eischen. “So they can take a little treasure back home, maybe as gifts for their family.”

Eischen says the flags and specialty items are just a few of the ways that Pella’s businesses can show their support for one of Marion County’s largest annual events.