BRANSON, -- The warm weather has lead to a big turnout in Branson. The tourist numbers so far, look much better than last year.
Last year, early spring floods and chilly weather made for a not so great turnout.
Even though people are still picking up from the Leap Day Tornado, most businesses and shows are open and ready for visitors.
It's opening day at White Water. Last year on opening day there were 800 visitors. This year, more than three thousand people are expected to hit the waves.
Several businesses that were damaged by the tornado have reopened. For the last 29 years, The Starvin' Marvin's restaurant has fed hungry people on the strip. While workers are still in the process of remodeling, they are open, just in time for tourism season.
"That was our goal, to try to get open by Memorial Day weekend, because that kicks off the season for the whole year. Its been a long winter for all of us," said Larry Rogers, owner.
