ELK RAPIDS — Empty tables are hard to find at T J Charlie's during the summer months.
Then comes the Harbor Days festival. The four-day festival attracts thousands of tourists to Elk Rapids and provides a welcome boost to local businesses.
John Bokon, a server at T J Charlie's on River Street, figures he'll be plenty busy during the festival that runs Aug. 3-6.
"Our town pretty much fills up," Bokon said. "This is like the busiest time of the year for us. Harbor Days is just that extra kick where it's packed."
Harbor Days Director Debbie Wentworth said a mini-powwow and volleyball tournament will debut at this year's festival, and organizers are excited about their lineup of music attractions.
"The entertainment is a lot bigger this year," she said.
The festival's fireworks show also will be taken "up a notch," Wentworth said.
Kay Clark has lived in Elk Rapids for five years, but this will be her first festival as owner of Harbor Cafe.
"I'm hoping it will be great," Clark said. "It gets more and more people."
Clark said she plans to keep the River Street restaurant fully staffed during the festival to accommodate the increased crowds.
For more information, visit www.elkrapidsharbordays.org.
