WILLIAMSTOWN - This weekend, the bleachers at the Lansing Chapman Rink at Williams College will be full for the 35th Annual Bay State Winter Games.

The figure skating competition takes place on Saturday and Sunday, which brings together more than 300 skaters representing five states.

Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club has 10 skaters competing this weekend. Club president Jaime Campbell said they help organize the games and it's quite a thrill for the local competitors.

Campbell said, "The skaters themselves, especially the younger ones for who it might be their first or second year, are very excited. It’s quite a thing to be here, with all the community and all the skaters from all over the state at all different levels competing.”

All events are free and open to the public. 

The competition will run all day on Saturday and Sunday, with skaters ranging from school-aged to adult. 

While winning a gold medal is a goal for many, it's not the only thing they're competing for. 

Campbell said, "This is a qualifying event for the bi-annual. It’s a national competition for the State Games of America. So, not only are they competing for themselves to win their awards, but also to get a spot. And quite a few skaters who have competed here have gone on to compete and win medals at the State Games of America.”

The games are a boost to the local economy as well. 

A study by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce find the games bring in almost a $1 million for local business. 

Campbell said it's a great way to advertise what the area has to offer. 

She said, "It’s great for the Berkshires to get people from all over the state to come in. We’ve had people respond later on Facebook who say they just love coming to the community and they just love the Berkshires and they can’t wait to come back every year.”