Gillett businesses hope to change quiet Labor Day weekends

GILLETT - The small community of Gillett, in Oconto County is quiet this Labor Day weekend. The end of the summer season has seemingly brought an end to its summer visitors.

With few cars traveling down Main Street and even fewer people on the sidewalks, residents say this holiday break is quieter than usual.

“We're off the beaten path; we're not on a main highway so I mean there's really nothing. You've just got to try, do your hardest to make people come,” said Jason Giese who owns several businesses in town, including Giese’s Carriage House Supper Club.

Three years ago Gillett proclaimed itself the ATV Capital of the World to bring in more tourists. The city developed off road trails to attract visitors and it has helped.

“We've got a four wheeler trail, so we generate off the four wheel trail,” said Giese

Some business owners say the holidays actually hurt small towns like Gillett, as people head north to places like Door County for the weekend.

“I've been in the bar business probably 10 years and it's down about 50% to 60% in 10 years,” said Giese.

Giese has learned to rely on local residents, not tourists to keep his establishments going.

“When people pass through, they just kind of look at it, they don't really stop,” said Gillett resident Katerina Batzar.

And with many residents also traveling this Labor Day weekend, business slows to a halt.

Batzar worries her neighbors don't realize that, and fears Gillett may suffer devastating blows.

“Gillett is my home, and I want to keep it that way,” said Batzar.

So this Labor Day, when most people are taking a break - these workers will be laboring away, in hopes of attracting more business in a struggling time.