HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - It’s Friday, meaning Holyoke’s biggest weekend of the year is here, and local businesses are counting on it. It’s St. Patrick’s weekend, which means tens of thousands of people will be lining the streets for the road race and parade.

But what does this weekend mean for local businesses? Are they expecting a boom?

Restaurants and bars, especially those on High Street, are getting ready for a big moneymaking weekend. It’s business as usual today and tonight. But starting tomorrow, it’s all hands-on deck.

“I hope it’s a peaceful weekend. I hope everyone knows they’re welcome here, no matter who they are, how old they are, what group they’re from.” said Charles Warren. Camellia’s Cafe just surpassed its two-year anniversary. This weekend will mark its third St. Patrick’s weekend.

Assistant Manager Charles Warren said he’s ready for the rush, “Last year was a lot of quick coffees and quick handheld foods. Quick food. Everyone wants to be quick so they can be out and enjoy the fun. That’s what we plan on now.”

Camellia’s usually sees a lot of people get espressos before the road race and parade and then cool down and relax afterwards. Warren hopes for a lot more of the same this time around. And, he hints at a holiday special, “We probably will think of something so everyone feels included and we get more people to come in with the special.”

The bars are also expecting lots of patrons, they include Unicorn Holyoke just a couple of doors down.

General Manager Nicole Ortiz told Western Mass News she and the staff are hyped, “It’s the biggest thing that we can do all year, you know? We’re super excited to have a lot of fun, meet a lot of people, and obviously make a lot of money.”

On Friday, staff members were busy cleaning and prepping the bar. Ortiz says they are more than prepared, “we just order a lot of everything. Order extra cups and alcohol, have extra staff, we’re going to have really tight security here at the bar. We make sure everyone is safe.”

Unicorn Holyoke is also one of several bars taking part in the battle of the bars, where the participating establishments are raising money for Holyoke’s Youth Football League.

The winning bar gets a gold trophy and bragging rights. Unicorn will have five DJ’s playing music both Saturday and Sunday. Ortiz said expect some specialty drinks and food, “we’re going to have tons of green Jell-O shots (and) green beer. We always have different fun drinks, like Tequila Sunrise and stuff like that. So, we’re going to have all of that stuff. For food, Crave will be covering the food over here at Unicorn. So, we’re going to do a lot of our stuff like tacos and corned beef and cabbage.”

For those who will be here, have a fun and safe weekend.

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