Beach closures bringing more people to New Buffalo

 

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. --- New Buffalo is expecting an increase in visitors to its beach this weekend after Michigan City announced it was closing its beaches. City officials say they're already planning for the increase in beach goers. 

"We are anticipating larger than normal crowds this weekend and what we’ve decided to do is monitor the crowds closely," said Kristen Dimarco, Parks Director for the City of New Buffalo.

Deedee Duhn owns Customs Imports in downtown New Buffalo and says she welcomes the new visitors.

"We’re right there on the state line and it’s a little paradise here," said Duhn. "There are people discovering New Buffalo and New Buffalo beaches that have not been this far before."

Across the street at the Frolic clothing store, owner Hannah Weber says she's already seen an influx in out of town visitors.

"Yesterday was quite good," said Weber. "A lot of people usually got to the beach depending on the weather. I mean it’s good."

The somewhat unexpected new visitors is also causing businesses to accommodate an increase in demand.

"I can’t keep up with it, I can’t keep up with the stock." said Duhn. "The one thing I don’t know is what will happen."