THE Wimmera is again rolling out the welcome mat to football fans travelling through the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This time, it is for Port Adelaide football fans.
Port Adelaide will play Hawthorn in the AFL preliminary final on Saturday.
Horsham Mayor David Grimble said the region had to support any potential visitors.
"It is in our best interests to get behind them," he said.
"Even if we sell one night's accommodation or one cup of coffee that's great for the region."
Cr Grimble said electronic signs on the Western Highway would welcome the Port Adelaide supporters and display road safety messages.
"The Telstra Shop sign will also be used to welcome fans," he said.
"We are creating an opportunity for Port Adelaide fans, to let them know we are available for accommodation or anything they need."
Cr Grimble said the region had strong ties to the club.
"We have a number of Port supporters in the region," he said.
Horsham Saints coach Shayne Breuer is a former Port Adelaide player who is remembered by fans for kicking the club's first AFL goal.
Business Horsham executive administrator Wendy Mitchell encouraged businesses to get involved in the finals fever.
"We have already sent an email to our businesses and put a notification on Facebook asking businesses to display Port Adelaide colours," she said.
"Any additional trade our retailers can get is great and we need to take advantage of that."
The region previously welcomed Richmond fans who travelled to Adelaide in the first round of AFL finals.
Mrs Mitchell said businesses that displayed the Richmond colours noticed an increase in trade.
She said the Wimmera was in an ideal position for travellers and often benefited from people travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide.
"It is something we haven't necessarily taken advantage of before, but we have discussed a few ideas of how we can benefit more throughout the normal football season," she said.