With loosening coronavirus restrictions for this holiday weekend, local businesses reliant on recreational water activities got a boost, as neighbors flocked to get outside and get on the water.

What You Need To Know

  • Some local marinas launched more boats than usual.
  • Boat traffic crowded lakes throughout the region.
  • Bait and tackle shops also saw an increase in business.
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"Saturday was the busiest day that I've ever seen Lake Delta in 40 years that I've been here," said Jonathan Bronson, the owner of A-Ok Campground & Marina in Oneida County.

It's an important lift for the business, which had to push back the reopening of its marina and campground due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"A weekend like this has been a game-changer for this summer. I did not expect this summer with everything that's going on. Due to COVID-19, I thought this summer was going to be a wash," Bronson said.

The owner says he typically launches 75 to 80 boats on the busiest days of the year, but on July 4 this year he says he had 150 boat launches, a first for him. Local marinas weren't the only ones that saw a boost from a busy weekend. Many neighbors were also on the water to go fishing.

"We've had probably a couple hundred customers come through the door this weekend, oh easily," said Albert Daher of Mickey's Bait & Tackle Fly Shop.

The North Syracuse business had to stay closed for much of the spring, but now that they're back open. 

"We're just now letting people trickle into shop, a few at a time, so that's been tough on the place. But that's been made up for by the amount of people that are actually getting out and fishing," said the owner.