PORT ANGELES — Lots of foot traffic.
That’s all Mike VanAusdle, owner of Port Angeles Antique Mall, needs for his business to flourish.
And he’s seen plenty of it since Monday.
That’s when thousands of Native Americans from dozens of tribes started flocking to Port Angeles for the weeklong 2005 Tribal Canoe Journey — Paddle to Elwha.
“Since the Paddle Journey started, sales are up substantially,” said VanAusdle, whose antique store is at 109 W. First St.
“I’d say business is up by about 25 percent.”
VanAusdle isn’t alone.
From hotels to restaurants to stores, the Tribal Canoe Journey that ends Saturday is making a positive difference to bottom-line sales, said business owners and managers in Port Angeles and Sequim on Wednesday.
Red Lion full every night
Another place reaping benefits is the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles, which, with 186 rooms, is the largest hotel in town.
Since Monday, the hotel at 221 N. Lincoln St. has been full every night, said William Giraldez, the hotel’s general manager.
“It’s just been wonderful,” Giraldez said.