Summer may not be here just yet, but events being held around Missoula this weekend are getting the season kicked off and bringing a boom to local businesses. The biggest event this weekend is Maggotfest.

The anticipation is over for one of the largest rugby festivals in the nation.

"We're so excited, so excited for Maggotfest. We're pretty pumped, pretty pumped," said a group of local rugby players.

Maggotfest isn't just an event ruggers and their fans look forward to. With hundreds, possibly even thousands, of rugby payers coming to town, the Garden City's economy will be reaping the benefits.

"Destination Missoula's goal is to bring leisure to travelers for sporting events, meetings, conferences, so all of it really makes a difference and benefits everyone in the community," said Sage Grendahl with Destination Missoula.

Maggots Head Coach Bill Merrill said an economic study done by team members and outside experts showed about half a million people come to Missoula in the four days surrounding the event.

"500,000 people is a significant boost to the economy," Merrill said.

He said local businesses now cater to the event by hanging signs to welcome the incoming rugby teams.

"I think the community understands it's an event that's gone on for a long time, and it will continue a long time, and they want to cash in on that, so we want to thank them for their support as well," Merrill said.

Sage Grendahl said it's the kick off to the summer tourism season.

"Tourism is big business for Missoula we get 32 million visitors annually that spend $290 million," Grendahl said.

She said next weekend will be even busier. The University of Montana's graduation makes it one of the biggest tourism weekends of the year for the Garden City.

"We're starting to gear up for the summer season. All the hotels will be full, restaurants will be bustling, shopping, people really enjoying our community," Grendahl said.

She said the tourism season starts in May and goes through late September.

Other big events kicking off the summer tourism season this weekend include the First Farmer's Market of the year, and a Mother's Day Eve celebration Saturday at Stonecreek Lodge.

The Missoula Farmers' Market opens for its 42nd season Saturday at 8 a.m. at Circle Square. Traditional vendors will offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, preserves, breads, flowers, and more. The market will bring a variety of local music acts to entertain the crowds. Entrances are at the farthest end of North Higgins and North Pattee Streets. The Farmers' Market will run each Saturday through the last Saturday in October.