Splash House crowds keeps Palm Springs’ business booming

Festival goers are wrapping up Splash House, an event is known for drawing thousands of visitors to the Palm Springs area. 

News channel 3 spoke to business owners who have seen larger crowds all throughout the weekend. 

Paco Sanchez, co-owner of El Patio Palm Springs says he can recognize them the festival goers right away, "They're all wearing their bracelet on their hand. So it's it's pretty cool."

Thousands of festival goers are taking over Palm Springs with Splash House in town celebrating its ten year anniversary. 

This time of year is just as special for local businesses as it is for the music lovers. 

William Grimoldi, a chef at Gabino's Creperie said, "Today, we had to make lemonade from scratch an hour before service. So it's not typical, but if we're going to expect a busy day than we just make it happen."

Restaurants like Gabino’s Creperie prepared for a busy weekend. 

Chef Grimoldi says events like these are crucial to the city’s economy, "Last weekend, our numbers were about half of what it is this weekend. And that's because of Splash House. So i definitely think it's amazing. It's keeping a lot of these small businesses alive. I appreciate it. The guys appreciate it. We're getting more hours we're getting more money."

About a mile away, El Patio Palm Springs is also seeing a festival weekend rush. The family owned restaurant in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs sits in between festival venues, and is serving up some cool dishes. 

"All the shrimp ceviches and shrimp cocktails, so that the fresh seafood," said El Patio owner, Paco Sanchez.

He says his restaurant has been slower in previous weeks, especially with the heat wave. This weekend, however, has been a complete 180. 

"Comparing to like, last week or the weekend before this weekend, it's been a super busy week. Great. Big difference," said Sanchez.

He said he even called in extra staff to help with the festival crowds. 

"We’re very grateful with the city of Palm Springs that’s doing all of these events, I think it really, really helps in Palm Springs," said Sanchez.

Last year alone, splash house contributed $20 million dollars to the valley's economy, booking more than 50,000 room nights in local hotels and vacation rentals.