DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) - As temps rise, Texoma boaters are ready to take the water
Inching closer to boating season, businesses near the lake are prepping for their busiest time of the year.
"We're less than a month away from a lot of people being on the water," says Texoma Boathouse's Brian Sasser.
Boats of all sizes covered the Choctaw Event Center this weekend.
The businesses in attendance putting their best on display to catch new eyes coming town.
"It's an updated, all redesigned 7,800 pound boat that's perfect for wakeboarding and perfect for surfing," Sasser says.òòò½ÊÓƵ
With a new harbor and other attractions coming to the lake, groups like the Lake Texoma Association are eager for new opportunities.
"We're super excited for it. We're all for Margaritaville and Hard Rock coming to Lake Texoma. That's going to drive tourism, drive new businesses, and everybody's going to win," the association's secretary, Cortney Gumm, explains.
Those with roots in the regions stretching back decades, beam with pride while sharing stories of what the lake has to offer.
"It's an unbelievable lake. It's a natural phenomenon," Striper Express founder, Bill Carey says.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Though the growth in businesses is a focus, business owners aren't losing sight of the lake's deeper side.
"It's always fun when people pop up from years past and say 'I fished with you, I fished with you,' So having 40 years is always cool, having stories like that," Carey explains.
Having a flood of positive reviews from this year's expo, talks of next April's return are already in motion.
"We hope to make this an annual event. We already have vendors and camper dealers who have already committed to next year and wanting to put a date on the calendar," says Lake Texoma Association's executive director, Brandi Burkhalter.
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