Businesses Prepare For Busy Holiday Weekend On The Lake

Businesses are prepared for a busy holiday weekend as people head to the lake for the long weekend. 

At Keystone Lake last year, historic flooding caused a complete washout for the whole summer. This year, Pier 51 Marina General Manager Sean Adair said they're seeing so much business it's looking like it's going to be record- breaking year.

Friday, there were lines at boat ramps, boat rentals were booked up, and people traveled in from out of town. 

"I just have some family and friends that I haven't seen in a while so I just decided to come out here and kind of get some time out on the river," said Jason Bergmeier.

Bergmeier said it took him 9 hours to get from Illinois to Keystone Lake. He's one of many traveling from out of town to the lake. 

"This year is definitely going to be for the record books. We cannot keep enough boats in stock. We're running out of boat slips which is something we've never done. I've been here 25 years and we've never been at the capacity we are now," said Adair. 

Adair said it's a big difference compared to last summer, when Keystone was about 25 feet above normal, during historic flooding. 

"Such a good contradiction I love it going this direction this year. Just kind of makes me concerned how are we ever going to live up to what happened to us this year. Is this going to be the new norm for the lake," said Adair. 

He said they're only expecting it to get busier over the weekend. 

"If I had 20 rental boats right now they would all be out it's been crazy for rental boats. It's going to be a record for my rental boat revenue," said Adair.