Beaches, shops in St. Joe packed for the holiday

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The beaches and shops in St. Joseph Michigan are busy this Fourth of July. The weekend is very important to the economy and business owners are thanking the gorgeous weather for the great turnout.

"This week it has been ramping up I would say and we do expect a wonderful weekend. As you can see being down here, things are just happening, and the streets are bustling and the beach is packed. We have been blessed with a wonderful day today and the weather is expected to continue so we are seeing a very nice weekend for this downtown,” said Jill Stone, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today.

For St Joe businesses, this holiday weekend is one of the most important of the entire year. 

"We are usually here from like one in the morning just waiting for people to come in here. It's pretty typical we have a line going out the door and around the corner so you know it is one of our biggest nights/weekends that we have to look forward to,” said Sarah Spaulding, supervisor at Kilwins.

This summer has been a little cooler than normal so far.

"It has been a little bit different this year than the last,” said Spaulding.

"We are hoping it picks up tonight and Friday and Saturday. Everyone is coming for the weekend and staying so we are hoping it will pick up,” said Mazi Heppler, Lazy Daisy Manager.

Business owners say getting people to St Joe has everything to do with the weather.

"If the weather holds it will be good, it all depends on the weather,” said Ben Yacobozzi, owner of The Hot Dog Kart.

In addition to fireworks Thursday night, there is a free concert Friday night, a farmer’s market Saturday and antiques on Sunday.