Even though it was Major League Baseball’s decision to move the game away from the Induction, it has turned out to have a positive impact locally.

The game, which used to be almost an afterthought the day after the Induction, now stands alone as the main attraction, and gives area businesses another weekend of heavier than normal tourist traffic.

Along with the game, the annual Hall of Fame Game parade has also been incorporated into the first of the two weekends, and has continued to grow in both participation and popularity.

The parade precedes the annual home run derby at 1 p.m. and exhibition game at 2 p.m.

This year’s parade features more than 35 units, including five marching bands.

It leaves from Cooper Park at noon, heads down Main Street to the stop light, turns onto Chestnut Street _ where the two teams split off and head to the field _ and concludes part of the way down Susquehanna Avenue.

This year, two American League East rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, will meet at Doubleday Field, and as they have since 2003, will participate in the parade.

``This weekend has become a strong regional event for us and for Cooperstown,’’ said Hall spokesman Brad Horn. ``The spotlight is on the players and they get to share the Cooperstown experience in a way that wasn’t possible before. Having two weekends gives us the opportunity to welcome visitors to Cooperstown on two occasions for two premiere events.’’

Of course, with 2007 electees Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn expected to bring the largest Induction day crowds ever, it’s especially fitting this year to have two separate weekends.

We applaud the Hall of Fame, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, and the Cooperstown community for turning what could have been a negative five years ago into something that is better than it was before.