Campustown slows with fewer students
While student-oriented stores seek extra revenue, Main Street sees more traffic
Danielle Peterson
During the first weeks of summer, the streets of Ames sometimes resemble those of a ghost town. Most students return home or take vacations to escape the recent stresses of finals. But now that many students are gone, how are local businesses affected and what are the reactions of students who remain?
"It's a given that every summer our business is affected," said Izela Gauna, manager of Jimmy John's, 135 Welch Ave.
Gauna said that the sandwich shop sees minimal difference in day business - nighttime is when the dramatic change occurs.
"Now that summer school has started, our day business is about back to what it is during the regular school year," Gauna said.
Bars such as Papa's Corner and Café Beaudelaire also report changes in summer business. Jenny Olson, employee of Café Beaudelaire, 2504 E. Lincoln Way, said she has seen a major slowdown since finals week ended.
"The first weekend having students back for class is coming up and I'm hoping we see more customers because of this," Olson said.
Olson doesn't anticipate increases in prices to account for the decrease of customers.
Papa's Corner, 2430 Lincoln Way, has continued to keep up their entertainment schedule, though the number of customers coming in every night has declined.
"We will continue charging cover for part of the summer, but hopefully won't have to once August rolls around," said manager Tim Gleason.
To make up for charging cover, Papa's Corner offers different drink specials every night.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Main Street Cultural District, where summer tends to be busier than the school year.
"A ton of planning goes into community-wide events during the summer, such as concerts, the Fourth of July celebration and the Art Walk," said Megan Backman, director of the MSCD.
Most of the events held during the summer are annual. However, the Fourth of July celebration will be changing the most drastically from previous years, Backman said.
Popular events such as the pancake breakfast and parade are still scheduled, but many additional activities have been planned for the day. Entertainment highlights include the Bill Riley Talent Search and a concert by The Nadas.
Megan Sandos, senior in apparel, merchandising, design and production, who is living in Ames this summer while she works and takes classes, has divided feelings about having fewer students in Ames during the summer.
"Class sizes are smaller so that's nice. It's easier to focus and create relationships with the teachers," Sandos said.
"On the other hand, campus is so lonely without all the students."
Sandos said another advantage of being in Ames during the summer is less people are at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center.
"The rec is great in the summer because unlike during the year, it isn't as crowded and you don't have to wait for machines," Sandos said.
Although businesses and the social lives of students remaining in Ames have seen a slow start to the summer - hopes are high that these situations will improve as students return for classes.
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