Local

Ocean Shores gearing up for ‘busiest weekend of the year’ amid coronavirus pandemic

OCEAN SHORES, Wash. — It’s shaping up to be a crowded Fourth of July at the coast.

“We just came to the beach to play,” said Paulette Fonda.

Grays Harbor County entered phase 3 of the state’s Safe Start Plan on June 17.

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, families are traveling more.

“We thought the beach would be a good place to get out and still keep distance while being outside,” said Melissa Hughes.

“It just feels really nice to be out here and have fun with my cousins and my family,” said Bentley Harrison.

Ocean Shores business owners expect this weekend to be the busiest weekend of the year.

“People aren’t going on airplanes, so they’re road-tripping it. Hotels are already booked solid, so I expect it to be heavier than normal,” said Scott Chapin, owner of Sharky’s and Cloud Nine. “The parking lots will be full, and it’ll be a steady stream of people walking to the beach and, in the evening, it’ll absolutely sound like a war zone — it sounds like automatic gunfire.”

Even in broad daylight, people could be heard setting off fireworks at the beach on Thursday.

After being closed for so long during the pandemic, business owners, who rely on tourism, said it’s nice to see out-of-towners again.

“We need it. There’s no one standing in line to help me with $500,000 worth of payables,” said Chapin.

Safety is a priority in Ocean Shores. At stores, like Sharky’s, people must follow the state mandate and wear a mask or face covering. There are multiple signs in front of the store to remind customers.

“Ninety-nine percent of them are OK with it,” said Chapin.

Many people told KIRO 7 there’s no place they’d rather be than at the beach.

“This is a perfect day, good weather, and we’re happy to be here,” said Hughes.