Large Crowds Needed Labor Day Weekend

"This Labor Day is more important than any Labor Day we've ever had," says Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon.
It's been a rough season for Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to say the least. Beaches have been mostly vacant. Tourists have been an endangered species making it a struggle to keep beach businesses open. A strong labor day weekend could make a big difference according to Kennon. "It may be the difference between carrying them a couple more months during the off-season and carrying them a week. So it's important to get as many people down here as we can."
The tourism industry is optimistic about the weekend. Herb Malone with the Visitors Bureau believes loyalty to the coast will win out this weekend.
But Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft says there is only one way to make folks believe the beaches are back. "We need to get people down here and see how really good and clean we are and how the safe the conditions are and let them go back and tell their friends. That's the way to get it done."
Many hope this holiday weekend will start the comeback from a summer many would like to forget.
"Right now the water is very pretty, the beaches are very pretty," says Kennon.
There are lots of events planned this weekend. The Hangout is planning a Cajun/Zydeco weekend.
The 2nd annual Labor Day Lawn Party at the Wharf and of course the John Mayer concert this weekend.
But there's also competition. College football starts this weekend.