WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis (NBC 26) -- The pandemic has impacted most businesses in a big way. But with a handful of major ice fishing events on Lake Winnebago in the weeks ahead, businesses in the hospitality industry are preparing for a much needed shot in the arm.
This weekend marks the kickoff to the Sturgeon Spearing season, one of the busiest weekends of the year for TJ's Harbor Restaurant in the Town of Black Wolf. Kristen Treichel, the General Manager of the restaurant says while they likely won't be hosting nearly a thousand people as they have in years past, they do plan on them and others in the industry benefiting from large crowds coming off of the ice on Lake Winnebago.
"Everyone's needing the business right now. So, to see these tournaments still going on I think is a hope for everyone. I think it's a great thing for the area."
For those in the hotel and motel industry, this will also likely be the kickoff to some of the busiest weekends of the past year them too. Daniel Schetter, The General Manager of the Best Western Premier Waterfront hotel says for most of the past 11 months, they have seen business remain at about 50 percent of what they are used to experiencing. Over the next several weekends though, Schetter says outdoor events on Lake Winnebago are bringing more people, into his hotel.
"These types of outdoor events in the winter have been helping to keep things alive a bit, so that's been really nice to see."
