SOUTH BEND, Ind – Commencement weekend is here in South Bend, and that means big business for the local economy.

This weekend Notre Dame will be granting over three thousand degrees at their 173^rd commencement.

Local businesses including Fiddler’s Hearth said graduation weekend brings in a big share of their yearly business. 

“It’ll start on a Thursday and they’ll come in, impromptu, and come for dinner. We have a Sunday brunch, so it’s just full-fledged and nonstop. We have to gear up for it with our cooks and our cooking staff because it’s as big as a Notre Dame Football weekend, if not bigger” said the owner of Fiddler’s Hearth, Terrance Meehan.

Hotels and other venues in the area also see a spike in business for graduation weekend.

Fiddler’s Hearth co-owner said it’s more than a good weekend for their bottom line but it’s also about the connection to the community.

“As a kid growing up we would always get footballs and baseballs from Notre Dame intramural and I used to sell programs, so it’s just in my blood” said Terrance Meehan of Fiddler’s Hearth.