Local businesses look forward to Columbus Day weekend

DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Columbus Day weekend is early this year. Some local businesses are hoping that translates into more tourism dollars for the region.

Tourists come from all over the world to Franklin County in the fall. Local businesses hope to benefit from it.

Frank Ciesluk opened his farm stand 12 years ago. This is an important time of year for him

He says that Columbus Day weekend plays a big role in his fall profit picture.

"I think it will be a good year the leaves are starting to turn already I think by Columbus Day it could be in full bloom," said Frank Ciesluk.

Tourism is a multi-billion dollar business in Massachusetts. Nearly 22 million visitors traveled here last year.

Elwyn Hayden lives in Oxford, New Hampshire. He says he comes down to Franklin County to buy my winter potates and onions we already had peak foliage in the North Country

But some decided they won't travel next weekend.

"I would love to go traveling but of course with gas prices we're all staying close to home stick around here hang out with the kids and the pumpkins," said Nicole Ciesluk of Whatley.

People come to Franklin County for their produce but some say it's all about fall foliage .

Andrew Blazejewski grew up in Franklin County but now he lives in Falls Church, Virginia.

"When you drive up route 91 or any of the roads around here just all the hills everywhere around you all different colors reds and oranges reds and greens there’s something about fall here unlike anywhere else in the world," said Blazejewski.

You can expect to see some of the best color here in western Massachusetts from around October 8th through October 20th.