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HANNIBAL, MO. -- The clank of horseshoes will be deafening in Hannibal this weekend.

More than 500 teams are descending on the town for the largest horseshoe tournament in the state.

In fact, “There may not be a bigger partner horseshoe tournament in the world,” organizer Bill Fisher said.

Fisher has the challenge of coordinating the Knights of Columbus State Horseshoe Tournament. His fellow knights with Council #907 in Hannibal have been working night and day to prepare 85 pits for the men's, women's and senior's pairs. Fisher just hopes local businesses are ready, too.

“Last time we did this in 1994, I don't think people realized just how big a deal this is,” Fisher said. “Restaurants ran short on food, there was so many people in town.”

This year, the K of C expects about 2,500 visitors. That's a ringer for the economy. The local hotels are booked solid, with overflow making arrangements in surrounding towns.

“This is some people's summer vacation,” Fischer said. That means money not just for restaurants and hotels, but also tourist attractions, downtown businesses and convenience stores.

The first pitch of the tournament is set for Saturday, August 18 at 8:30 a.m. Bishop John Gaydos will celebrate mass at 6 p.m. Saturday. The championship games will take place Sunday afternoon.

The pits are on Market Street, next to the Hannibal Inn. Three hundred volunteers will help serve food, drinks and staff the tournament.