Local attractions seeing business boom

By Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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Attendance at the Potawatomi Zoo is up about 50 percent since last year. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jul 2, 2009 at 4:17 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 6, 2009 at 10:07 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — In the midst of the recession, many families are cutting back on spending. But some local attractions are not feeling the pinch. Communities in our area have been urging all of us to put more money back into the local economy. And apparently, it's working.

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For the first half of this season, attendance at Coveleski Stadium is up by 10,000 people compared to the first half of last year. What's more, in 2008 there were two rain-outs all season. So far this year they've had six.

Coveleski Sales and Marketing spokesperson Amy Hill said she attributes it to more families staying local, concession discounts and the famous "Dollar Mondays."

At the Potawatomi Zoo attendance is up 20,000 — about 50 percent — compared to the same time last year.

"People are staying home more often, doing more 'stay-cation' type things rather than zipping off and going far away," explained Zoo Director Terry DeRosa.

That's a big difference from 2007 when the zoo almost lost its accreditation status and its ability to get specific animals because it couldn't pay for much needed repairs. But the community stepped up with the more than $1 million needed. Now, it's paying off.

"So far, so good. I think we're on the right track," DeRosa said.

Teresa Hoffer and her husband brought their nieces to the zoo Thursday from Nappanee.

"It's nice to have something so close that's so clean," Hoffer said. "We had thought about going up to Chicago to the zoo, which is a lot of money and an all day affair. So it's a nice alternative."

Like many families, the Hoffers are cutting back where they can.

"We are not taking a vacation this year," she explained. "We are spending all our time locally, eating out a little less."

For an affordable price, the zoo has attractions you don't get to see every day.

Renewed community interest means it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"They're interested," said DeRosa. "They really have a buy-in to what we're doing."

Admission to the Potawatomi Zoo is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids. Tickets at The Cove are $5 or $7.

Go to WSBT.com's Things to Do page for more links to things to do in our area!

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