Visitors to Delaware’s beaches came early and left late this Memorial Day weekend. And the rain didn’t seem to keep them away.
Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce President Carol Everhart said it wasn't ideal Memorial Day weather, but that didn’t deter beach goers.
“What that does is cause people look for alternative things. They eat. They go shopping. And they just walk. There was a lot of walking going on all weekend,” she said.
And despite the rain, visitation numbers were the same as last year, when the weather was sunny and warm.
“With regards to overnight stays in hotels and motels, we’re just a little over 90 percent occupancy rate, which is a match for last Memorial Day,” Everhart said.
Visitors came early this year and left late this year, according to preliminary numbers.
Most arrived on Thursday and Friday. And many were still leaving Tuesday morning.
Many retail shops and restaurants fared well as visitors escaped the rain, according to Everhart.
Friday was the best day for retail sales, according to early returns.
Final visitation numbers are expected to be released Wednesday afternoon.
