Dozens of tourist related businesses turned out to Sonoma Falls Cider Mill and Country Store in Livingston Manor on May 11, to exchange promotional literature in an annual event sponsored by the Sullivan County Visitors Association.

This year some businesses are starting the season off with a full house because of booking by fans of the jam band Phish, who will be attending three concerts at Bethel Woods over the Memorial Day Weekend.

While some in the community have expressed concerns about having so many Phish fans in the county, the businesses here are looking forward to the weekend.

Joe Tinari, owner of the Fosterdale Motor Lodge in Fosterdale, which sold out early for the weekend, said the fans he dealt with are “wonderful people.” He said, “After we were full and had no more room for anyone, we would forward their requests to either the Visitor’s Association, or to neighboring properties, and a lot of them called back an gave a than you. So these are great people we’re going to have coming into the county on Memorial Day weekend.”

Jean Tulp, owner of the Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast in Liberty, agreed. She said a lot of her guests who are going to the concerts have asked for other things to do while they’re here, so it should be good for the county overall. She said, “They’re very excited, they can’t wait to come; they’ve never been to bethel Woods.