With friends and families pouring into Abilene for Sing Song weekend, the campus will become much busier. But these extra guests also bring an increase in business for local restaurants and hotels.

Along with most hotels in the area, the Whitten Inn is fully booked this weekend due to the increased number guests visiting ACU’s campus. After nine years, manager Stasia Donald has almost become used to the influx of guests.

“Our hotel is always prepared because we are always busy,” said Donald.

The Whitten Inn and Quality Inn have both offered discount prices for visiting families during the weekend. Many local restaurants also offer discounts to attract business, but one of Abilene’s newest establishments may steal the show.

Many local businesses use discounts to attract new customers during the weekend but one of Abilene’s newest businesses is attempting to out do them all.

Nikki’s Swirl Shoppe will celebrate its one year anniversary with a Sing Song after party. Beginning after the performance on Saturday, the frozen yogurt shop will host a DJ and offer door prizes.

While they are normally open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Nikki’s plans to remain open as late as guests would like to stay.

“We just really want to have a place where people can come and hang out after Sing Song since most of Abilene will have closed down by then,” said manager Chelsea Gaulden, senior family studies major from Keller.

Nikki’s opened shop on Sing Song weekend last year and immediately realized the buzz that surrounds the event.

“Last year was crazy,” said Gaulden, who has worked at Nikki’s since it opened. “But we will definitely be more prepared this year.”

While Sing Song crowds can put stress on local businesses, many owners see the weekend as an positive opportunity to draw in more customers.

“We really enjoy it,” said Donald. “We thoroughly enjoy having ACU so close and all of the guests and parents that visit us.”