This weekend, some 4,000 people will make their way to Opp for the annual Little Big Horn Band competition, bringing with them a stream of sales tax revenue and business for the city.

The crowd is second only to the Rattlesnake Rodeo weekend for Opp.

Opp Mayor H.D. Edgar said the Little Big Horn weekend is a “big economic boost for Opp.”

“All the bands bring with them parents and other supporters,” he said. “They come in and patronize our restaurants, stores and gas stations, in turn bringing a big weekend in sales tax revenue. We are excited about the weekend. ”

Last year, Little Big Horn coupled with Opp Fest, helped bring in $153,637 in sales tax revenues, which was shy of the fiscal year 2008 collections for the month of $157,574.

Some 21 bands will be competing this Saturday in Opp’s Little Big Horn Marching Band competition.

Opp band director Randy Hughey said namely Andalusia High School’s “A Sound Tradition,” which is the only Covington County band competing, along with the Elba High School Marching Tiger Band, Daleville High School’s Pride of the South Marching Band and the Hillcrest-Evergreen High School Marching Band, will take part.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” he said. “We are in our 31st year.”

Band Boosters typically net $6,000 in profits, give away some $3,000 in trophies and spend $2,500 on judges, Hughey said.

In years past, Hughey said the event had drawn a standing-room only crowd.

Hughey said gates open at 11 a.m., and the first band will take the field at noon.

The University of Mobile Ram Corps will perform in exhibition during supper break.

Andalusia will take the field at 8:20 p.m., and Opp’s Black and Gold Marching Band will perform its exhibition at 9 p.m., followed by awards at 9:15 p.m.

Admission is $6, which includes an armband.

“We will also have T-shirts and other souvenirs,” he said. “We will have a professional multi-camera DVD for sale, as well as concessions.”