Donald Trump's Wildwood rally ushers in an economic boom to the boardwalk
WILDWOOD, NJ (CBS) - Despite all the people wearing jackets and sweatshirts, the crowded boardwalk in Wildwood looked more like a Saturday in the summer this weekend.
"Memorial weekend came early I would say, so we love it. It's wonderful," said Isabel Betancourt, who attended a campaign rally held by former President Donald Trump in the city on May 11.
"I almost couldn't get here because the traffic was so thick walking from North Wildwood to here," said Denise Keegan, who traveled from National Park, New Jersey.
People who didn't have tickets to Saturday's rally tried to sneak a peak of Trump on the beach through fences set up on the boardwalk.
Crowds also piled into Capt'n Jack's. The bar and restaurant's beachfront balcony overlooks the stage where Trump was speaking.
"This is like Fourth of July, Labor Day weekend, and Memorial Day weekend all packed into one," said owner Sean Dougherty.
According to Dougherty, a normal Saturday in May is usually slow, and he closes early, but the influx of people was a welcomed boom to his bottom line.
"This is such a boost to start paying bills, paying my Cisco bill, my food my liquor bills. This was a big big help," Dougherty said.
The same can be said at the Salty Anchor. The cooler-than-normal weather brought many people through the door.
"Yesterday was very windy too, so everyone gets sweatshirts, sweatpants, and stuff like that," said Asser Ahmed.
Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. said he will have an official number in a few days but expects the economic impact to be well into the millions.
Businesses are now hoping for good weather on Memorial Day weekend, which is two weeks away.
