There were more out-of-state license plates visible in street parking spaces up and down North Main Street in Jamestown and a lack of availability at several local hotels. Hotels weren’t the only lodging that saw a change in business over the weekend.

Officials from the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Chautauqua Lake Park reported that more than 156 campers visited or stayed at their campgrounds at various times during this past weekend. However, as it became apparent that some of the viewing of the eclipse could be blocked because of forecasted cloud coverage, some of the campers left the campgrounds, in search of clearer vantage points. Campground officials did report that 20 to 30 out of state campers from places like Maine, Ohio and Pennsylvania visited the park this past weekend.

Jessica Spak, and her husband, the franchise owners of Chautauqua County Jellystone Park, reported much lower numbers, but this lower turnout was to be expected.

“We had 16 campers,” said Jessica Spak. “However, we did not think we’d be full because we had a limited opening, basically we offered a primitive camping experience -meaning we only offered the site, Wi-Fi, and electricity. … all campers had to have their own water and bathrooms and be self-contained.”

Submitted Photo Members of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol's Jamestown Squadron were on hand Monday to help with security and directing traffic, and it is estimated that around 500 people attended the event.

The chilly weather this weekend and clouds on Monday also likely dampened demand for boats.

“We had a few customers,” said Leslie Smith, Holiday Harbor Marina-Celoron officer manager. “We had around 30 people come to the marina to watch the eclipse, eat some food at the restaurant, and we had five boats ready to go for rent, but because of the overcast, all reservations for the boats were canceled.”

A popular destination during this solar eclipse ended up being the Chautauqua County Airport, which hosted a party-like, star-gazing atmosphere. Vendors, food trucks and eclipse viewers turned out at the airport as members of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol were guiding visitors to find parking spaces, which became fewer and fewer as the event continued and the eclipse time approached. Event goers had a variety of options to choose from such as ax throwing, purchasing leather, wood and beadwork, many types of food, while a disc jockey played music and gave viewing instructions.

“We didn’t count each person, but our parking lot can hold 300 vehicles, and it was near full at several parts of the day, so we’re estimating around 500 individuals attended,” said Shannon A. Fischer, the airport’s manager.