Editorial: All aboard!

Soaring high: The American Queen returns to Red Wing this weekend. Expect another boost to the local economy.

The paddlewheeler and her sister ship, Queen of the Mississippi River, have stopped while heading both up and down on two previous trips this fall. When the three hundred and more passengers disembark, they make their way to shops and restaurants. Downtown merchants report a banner September, and they have high hopes for October since several more stops are planned. That’s good news for all of us.

The region’s natural beauty is one major draw. The warm welcome the crew members and their guests receive in Red Wing is another reason the vessels stop here.

Citizens would do well to get on board this terrific tourism opportunity.

Avoid a rough landing: With the turning leaves and ripening apples comes the annual influx of tourists who arrive by automobile. We welcome them, too, of course.

We also remind residents to stay alert for those motorists more intent on observing the autumn leaves than keeping an eye on the roadway.

Drive defensively.

Tags: opinion, editorials