My worry, and the worry of others up here... is that our tiny town might never recover...
Jobs lost, and lots of places are finding that it makes more sense to just stay shut down.
How necessary is tourism to your town ?
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My worry, and the worry of others up here... is that our tiny town might never recover...
Jobs lost, and lots of places are finding that it makes more sense to just stay shut down.
VitalHow necessary is tourism to your town ?
Vital
I agree... I do not think we will be "over and done" with this blasted virus anytime soon... maybe in 2 years....I sort of figured that. Sadly, my gut says that will be a long time coming back.![]()
One year at our family Christmas, my mom was struggling to open a package. She asked if anyone had a knife she could use. DH and all 3 sons reached in their pockets and pulled out a knife. A couple of weeks later at Step-Dad’s family Christmas, Mom made the same comment. All those city people looked around, and one finally said, “Why would we have one?” City people.I try to teach the kids that they MUST have at least one pocket knife on them at all times.
Of course when the one kid took out his pocket knife exacto blade to take off the wrapping paper from his birthday present
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It’s not just Homer. Small rural communities are hurting as well. So far our Main Street seems OK, but I know businesses are struggling. About a month into the statewide shutdown, our chamber of commerce and local radio station held a fundraiser for our town. People called in and bought gift certificate for the businesses, to be used when things opened up again. Over $100,000 was raised and helped make the difference for several places.My worry, and the worry of others up here... is that our tiny town might never recover...
Jobs lost, and lots of places are finding that it makes more sense to just stay shut down.
a huge percentage of what businesses there are up here live or die by the tourist and/or vacation cabin dollars. Labor Day marks the shuttering of lots of businesses. A few have in the past been able to tap into the short deer season influx and many, including our county government, have started catering to the snowmobilers but that income is seriously weather dependent. Needless to say none of the afore mentioned revenue has flowed this year and since we are in a real crisis is not likely to again by next spring. Many of the smaller mom and pop seasonals have already shuttered for good and the future doesn't look good for many others. Every festival, craft fair, church harvest fairs, Thanksgiving and Christmas whatever has already been cancelled ending any hope of a last ditch boost before the "dead season". A couple of the Native casinos scattered around the northwoods have tried reopening but they're struggling. Everywhere is trying to hire workers but there are so many sick, or afraid of getting sick, that some places that could be open can't because they don't have enough workers. No one has any doubt that recovery will be a long way off, if ever. and even if it comes, the northwoods will never be the same.Vital
Sadly I agree. I can't help but feel a little guilty that us old fogies are safely hiding in the woods and doing ok while so many others are losing everything.Here in small town NJ shops and small restaurants are struggling with many already failing. As we enter winter and outdoor dining becomes impossible many more will fail. It's a truly difficult time, and perhaps an even more difficult future. There are some advantages to being old and retired.