The Global Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses visits Fort Smith, bringing an estimated 26,000 people along with it. The program kicks off today, and will last three days, concluding on Sunday. Admission is free for anyone that would like to attend.The organization says that most of the people in attendance will be from Arkansas and the surrounding states, but some even traveled internationally for the event."It's multi-cultural, there will be people here from all walks of life, all income levels, it's a unifying event here in Fort Smith," said a Jehovah's Witness media secretary Richard Lawrence.The large attendance number will bring traffic to hotels, restaurants, and a number of other local businesses. One of those businesses - Savoy Tea - is looking to jump at the opportunity of having so many people congregating in one area. They say that when events take place at the Fort Smith Convention Center, a spike in customers usually follows. Savoy Tea will adjust their hours and schedule to stay open later for the Jehovah's Witness Convention."It usually boosts (business) because the foot traffic is just insane. There's people flooding the streets," said Kayla Delk, the store manager.Worldwide, there are 22 major cities that have been selected to host international conventions for Jehovah's Witnesses. At this weekend's convention in Fort Smith, around 70 speakers are planned over the course of the three day event, some of which are local.

The Global Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses visits Fort Smith, bringing an estimated 26,000 people along with it. The program kicks off today, and will last three days, concluding on Sunday. Admission is free for anyone that would like to attend.

The organization says that most of the people in attendance will be from Arkansas and the surrounding states, but some even traveled internationally for the event.


"It's multi-cultural, there will be people here from all walks of life, all income levels, it's a unifying event here in Fort Smith," said a Jehovah's Witness media secretary Richard Lawrence.

The large attendance number will bring traffic to hotels, restaurants, and a number of other local businesses. One of those businesses - Savoy Tea - is looking to jump at the opportunity of having so many people congregating in one area. They say that when events take place at the Fort Smith Convention Center, a spike in customers usually follows. Savoy Tea will adjust their hours and schedule to stay open later for the Jehovah's Witness Convention.

"It usually boosts (business) because the foot traffic is just insane. There's people flooding the streets," said Kayla Delk, the store manager.

Worldwide, there are 22 major cities that have been selected to host international conventions for Jehovah's Witnesses. At this weekend's convention in Fort Smith, around 70 speakers are planned over the course of the three day event, some of which are local.