By Patrick Donges
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-983699.mp3
Pittsfield, MA – All registers were open Friday afternoon at the Price Chopper store in Lenox as residents prepared for what many are saying could be the worst storm to hit the northeast in decades.
The new store only opened about a month ago; store manager Jim Collins, who has been with the company for over 25 years, said business Friday was about at the same level as during the store's grand opening.
"This is what we call panic; this is hurricane panic, we're used to snow panic so this is a little bit different for us, but it looks very much the same as a winter storm."
And just as you might see in the days before a large Nor'easter, residents seemed to be stocking up on the essentials; here's Collins.
"The biggest one so far seems to be water. Everybody's looking for gallon water or any kind of bottled water. They're stocking up on ice, paper plates, batteries, flashlights, dry cereal. We're recommending when people ask us, canned goods are the way to go; anything that you may need if you were going to be out of power for a few days."
While area stores may be used to this type of rush in the winter months, Collins said the push to prepare for Irene would be good for business at the new location, especially as the hours draw closer to when the storm is forecast to strike.
"There's definitely a bump in business and I wouldn't say the people are fully panicked at this point, but I think tomorrow I could see a full panic coming."
While grocery store and those who sell items emergency officials have said should be on hand in case of damage or prolonged power outages, like radios and batteries, may be viewing the storm as an easy sell for a hard time, those shops that rely on seasonal tourists for revenue could be affected this weekend by the storm itself, and potentially the long Labor Day weekend next week.
Some events and attractions in the Berkshires have already been cancelled or closed in preparation for the storm; Lauri Klefos is president and CEO of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau.
"The big event that is being cancelled is Motorama' in North Adams, that's been rescheduled. And then we've also heard from Berkshire Scenic Railroad in Lenox, Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, and Chesterwood in Stockbridge that they are all going to be closed on Sunday."
In addition to those venues, Massachusetts state parks, including Mt. Greylock and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the Berkshires will also close Saturday afternoon and not reopen until next week. Klefos said local businesses could miss out on some of the final weekends of the summer season if the storm causes extensive damage.
"I always talk about that fact that tourism is so reliant on Mother Nature and this is just another one of those cases. Labor Day weekend is a big weekend is a big weekend for us, so obviously if there's damage and that affects next weekend, that's going to be a disappointing end to the season."
While losing business this weekend may not be a huge hit to businesses in the Berkshires, the storm does have the potential to wipe out revenue in Saratoga Springs, New York, where thoroughbred horse racing in the days following the 142 running of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, set for Saturday, could be in jeopardy.
Saratoga businesses depend on the money made during track season to stay in business over the winter months. Annamaria Bellantoni, vice president of tourism at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said despite the forecast, Irene could actually be good for lodging in the city depending on people's travel arrangements.
"Most places for Travers weekend have a three day minimum, so people are already in place; they're staying Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. So if anything it may turn into a positive where, let's hope not, but if anyone's stranded they may have to stay an extra night."
According to a report published online Friday afternoon by the Saratogian, New York Racing Association officials will wait until the forecast on Saturday to decide whether to cancel racing in the following days.