Gas prices are down almost two dollars from this time last year. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Trisha Creach says she's already noticed an increase in holiday traffic.

"We are up over last year as far as our traffic counts throughout the area, so those are economic indicators that we look at and we are very optimistic," Creach said.

Business owners also say they are confident the holiday weekend will be profitable.

"We're full right now, so we'll have approximately 150 people here this weekend," Point Randall Resort owner Paulette Sprigs said.

Ed Franco, owner of Bass and Baket Bed and Breakfast, says his business is busy this weekend.

"For the weekend we're one hundred percent full. Acutally, our business starts today and will run all the way through Monday with [vacationers]," Franco said.

Ten Cent Skeet Ball on the strip at Bagnell Dam drew in tourists with it's inexpensive games. The Lowe family visited Ten Cent Skeet Ball twice this week. Scott Lowe said it's something fun and inexpensive for their family to do. 

"Everyone's on a budget these days trying to have as much fun for the dollar," Lowe said.

"Right now people are looking for a great vacation without having to spend a lot of money," Spriggs said.

Creach says this weekend kicks of the summer season for vacationers at Lake of the Ozarks.