Clinton wedding sparks tourism in small NY village
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RHINEBECK, N.Y. – All eyes are on the small village of Rhinebeck, New York.
The countdown to the Chelsea Clinton's wedding ceremony continues, and the wedding has sparked quite the media frenzy.
"Entertainment Tonight thinks this is a big, huge story, and we are here as of yesterday and are going to stay for the whole week," Entertainment Tonight reporter Diane Dimond said.
Rhinebeck Mayor Jim Reardon said he's done more interviews in the last two weeks than he has in the three years he's been in office.
"Madison Avenue would charge us millions of dollars for the type of exposure we're getting from this," Reardon said.
But he's not the only one who's had their close-up.
Heather Graham of Chamonix Bridal was interviewed by the staff of the Today Show.
"Reporters are asking what do you know about the wedding? Have you heard anything," she said.
Nancy Amy of the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce has been interviewed by media in Canada and London.
"People want to know if there's any rooms available, what this has done for the economy and if everybody in Rhinebeck is excited about this," Amy said.
All the questions have been good for business.
Alexander Batkin, a manager at the Wing and Clover, said people coming in have been spending money. Batkin said wedding gifts were among the items being purchased at his store, including a painting hanging in the shop window.
And like Batkin, officials hope the gifts aren't what returns.
"Tourism is among the largest portions of our industry. So we would hope that guests and family find their way back, perhaps on their own time," State Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro said.
As the anticipation continues to build up, speculation surrounding the wedding continues.
"I'm still wondering who the musical talent is going to be. You know, that's a big deep dark secret," Dimond said.
But that’s something those in Rhinebeck may not find that out until Saturday.