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More than a half-million visitors are expected to attend an "extraordinarily high" number of special events in Pittsburgh over the next month, providing an anticipated $35.5 million boost to the local economy, planners said.

Performers including Kenny Chesney and Phoebe Snow will join sports legends, international cycling teams, powerboat racers and even a few diplomats for events here. Chesney performs Saturday at Heinz Field. Snow performs Saturday as part of the Three Rivers Arts Festival.

"It's an extraordinarily high number of special events," said Joe McGrath, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Estimating the economic impact on the region is difficult because some of the events are new, tourism officials say. The fallout from climbing gas prices places an uncertainty into this year's plans.

For people looking to cut their travel costs, a month's worth of activities may be what they're looking for.

"I'm definitely staying close to home this summer. I'll take the kids to Kennywood instead of Cedar Point," said Caroline Villella, 34, of Wexford, who plans to see the finish of the Tour of Pennsylvania bike race June 28 in the South Side.

The Kenny Chesney concert is expected to generate about $305,000 in tax revenue while a June 24-26 series between the Pirates and New York Yankees is projected to garner about $151,000, according to the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority.

More than 450,000 people are expected to attend the 17-day arts festival, which last year pumped $23 million into the Downtown economy, said Lauren Bracey, festival spokeswoman.

The Tour of Pennsylvania, which begins June 24 in Philadelphia and concludes in the South Side June 28, could draw 75,000 visitors, said Bill Flanagan, executive director of Pittsburgh 250, the group planning the year-long celebration around the naming of Pittsburgh in 1758.

A similar race across Missouri last year pumped $26.2 million into the state's economy, said Jerry Dowell, executive director of Tour Missouri Inc.

The economic impact of events in Pittsburgh will reach beyond city and county lines.

"There's a positive impact on us when major events are happening in Pittsburgh," said Annie Urban, executive director of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau in Westmoreland County.

Last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, for example, helped push hotels in Westmoreland to their best year in the past five years, she said.

This year, tourism officials are hoping that $4-a-gallon gasoline prices won't put a damper on their plans.

"We are a drive-to market. Most people will drive three to five hours, but might not be willing to drive eight to 10 hours," said Urban.

More than 10,000 people are expected for next weekend's parade of athletes at the Senator John Heinz History Center. Three dozen athletes from the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, as well as former Olympic and collegiate athletes and representatives of the 1930 Pittsburgh Crawfords and Homestead Grays, will take part in the event as part of the Pittsburgh 250 celebration.

Diplomats from at least five countries -- Russia, France, Canada, New Zealand and Guatemala -- will be in town June 29 for the rededication of the Boulevard of the Allies. The ceremony will mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I.

The Three Rivers Regatta begins July 3.

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