OCEAN CITY, N.J. (CBS) – Businesses down the shore are hoping this weekend is nothing like last weekend when Hurricane Irene washed away visitors and profits. Eyewitness News Reporter Jericka Duncan was in Ocean City Saturday morning with more on how people are preparing to celebrate this Labor Day weekend.

“We are open, come on back,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio of Sea Isle City.

A comeback is exactly what businesses along the shore are hoping to achieve this Labor Day weekend. Last weekend the boardwalk and Ocean City were bare.

Thousands of people were forced to evacuate because of Hurricane Irene. This past Friday, that same area was bustling with people who are soaking up that last bit of summer sun. AAA estimates that more than 400,000 Philadelphians will travel 50 miles or more to reach there holiday weekend destination.

“I’m enjoying everything Sea Isle,” said Matthew Hiltzik of New York City. “It’s great down here. The kids are able to get stuff and go on rides.”

Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS 3