Smithville Lake remains popular spot Labor Day weekend

SMITHVILLE, Mo. — Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer, but at Smithville Lake, some people were ready to make the most of the holiday weekend.

“We’re going to go out on the lake and probably hang out with friends and probably be outside a lot,” said Ellie Hanchette.

She was cleaning the boat in preparation for Saturday’s lake day with her friend, Emma Rayl.

“And then on Sunday we were going to the pool and will have a big party and barbeque with family and friends,” Rayl added.

Both weren’t thrilled that this could be one of their last lake days of the year.

“I’m sad because it means school’s starting,” said Hanchette, a senior in high school. “But I’m also ready for the cool weather.”

The holiday means it’s getting close to the end of the season for Between the Buoys, a restaurant at the marina at the lake.

“We have had a blast all summer,” said Dave Ulledahl, co-owner of the restaurant. “We noticed a little downturn, last week was our first week of school and it’s just the changing of the seasons. The ultimate 95-degree lake days are behind us.”

Between the Buoys is only open from May to around Labor Day, making this weekend one of their last.

To help with their inventory, they’re throwing one last party next Saturday to finish off the season.

“Seeing a little less activity on the lake, seeing a little bit less business, you know the season’s coming up to a quick end,” Ulledahl. “If you’ve been saying ‘hey, I need to go check that place out,’ you have this weekend and next Saturday!”

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