Southern Indiana getting ready for Kentucky Derby economic boost
Just as Louisville is gearing up for an economic boom for the Kentucky Derby, so is southern Indiana.
In Jeffersonville, businesses say they are especially looking forward to the Derby after the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville.
J'lisa Ross, co-owner of Pearl Street Treats, says her business was looking forward to the foot traffic from Thunder Over Louisville, especially with her business right next to the Big Four Bridge, where people walk over from Louisville to Jeff.
"Thunder Over Louisville was a big bummer for us," she said.
She says that foot traffic is picking back up for Derby week.
"It's definitely going to help us make up for what we didn't get during that time and us being shut down," said Ross.
Jeffersonville is becoming more of a destination for Derby-goers to shop and stay.
Airbnb has seen an uptick of about 20% in bookings in Jeffersonville compared to two years ago.
SoIN Tourism, the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau, tells us that during last year맥스카지노s Derby 150, its hotels hit a new record, surpassing 91% occupancy for Oaks and Derby nights.
While they say the turnout this year may not be as big as last year, they are still expecting some of their hotels to sell out, like TownePlace Suites by Marriott Louisville North in Jeffersonville.
"Derby gets bigger and better, and you know everybody embraces it," said Mike Moore, mayor of Jeffersonville. "It's who we are. It's what makes us special. And I include us in that conversation."
Schimpff's Confectionery feels the impact, too.
"So they'll come in for Derby, and if they've got a day off, not going to the tracks, they venture out, see what there is to do, and they head over to Indiana and find us," said Steve Shepherd, a candy maker.