Slumping economy has spring breakers in search of savings

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Like many spring breakers, Pete Keenan and his family stayed local by going to WanaWaves in Shipshewana this year instead of traveling

Like many spring breakers, Pete Keenan and his family stayed local by going to WanaWaves in Shipshewana this year instead of traveling. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 7, 2008 at 4:29 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 12, 2008 at 5:53 PM EST

NORTHERN INDIANA — More families are staying local, and businesses are cashing in. But gas prices aren't responsible for this local boom.

Many people say the slumping economy, not gas prices, is keeping them off the roads. Regardless of whether people are choosing to fly somewhere or staying closer to home, they are looking for ways to save.

And many say they're finding ways to have fun nearby.

It may not be Florida, but families are sliding feet first into warm water everyday at WanaWaves in Shipshewana.

"We just wanted to come check it out and see what it was all about instead of driving four hours to Sanduski or three hours down to Indianapolis," said Pete Keenan, who took his family to the water park for spring break.

A family of four can spend the night and splash around at WanaWaves for $175. That's cheaper than one plane ticket.

"Everybody goes to Florida, Mexico, and the islands. That was a little expensive. This was nice. We all got to have fun," said Keenan.

Teri Mutch, the director of sales for WanaWaves, says 850 people have come to the park every day for the last few weeks — selling out the hotel.

"We've gotten great feedback from all of the shop owners in Shipshewana. Next door we are doing a great job at the auto museum," said Mutch.

There was also a line at Potawatomi Zoo to buy tickets.

"We are going to stay local for most of the week," said Allison Herzing.

But like others who are leaving town, she's found airline deals.

"We bought our airline tickets so long ago that it's not going to be a big difference on that, and then we are going to use some hotel points, so we are trying to go as cheap as we can," said Herzing.

Some travel agents say many airlines reduced fares weeks before spring break, so finding a deal was easy.

The airport director says the airport is just as busy this year. He says there are just as many flights coming through, and they're packed.

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