Graduation weekend at Chadron State College isn’t a big deal just for the school; it’s a big deal for the local economy as well.

Chadron Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Collette Fernandez says graduation brings a lot of people to town, many of whom stay over at least 1 night.

“We have all the family and friends coming in and booking up our motel rooms, filling our restaurants, buy our gas, and just kind of pump our town up. It’s always good to have extra people around.

Fernandez says the graduation visitors also often have a longer-term economic impact because many of them come back again for visits or vacations.

“We do have a lot of them that come in the Chamber visitor center and see what there is to do in the area when they come back later. If they’re thinking of sending another child to CSC as well, then they’ll kind of look to see what’s in the area as well.”

Fernandez says this year’s graduation boost is even a little more welcome since another traditional spring event…the Pine Ridge Enduro motorcycle rally…had to be canceled last weekend because the ground was too wet to set up the off-road route.