Staff Writer

By Wednesday, the Stephen children are asking their parents when it’s time to head back to Maine.

The Manchester, N.H., family spends weekends at their second home in Old Orchard Beach, which has become the favorite place of 5-year-old twins Jack and Drew, said their father, Rob. The family, including mother Joleen and 1-year-old Carly, spent Monday wandering through Palace Playland while the twins hopped on their favorite rides.

Rob Stephen, who grew up visiting Hampton Beach, said a friend introduced him to Old Orchard Beach. The family looks forward to their weekly trips north and consider themselves Mainers, he said.

“It’s a unique blend of always having something to do with a good quality of life,” Rob Stephen said.

The Stephens were among thousands of visitors who flocked to Old Orchard Beach last weekend to kick off the summer season. With temperatures last week hitting 90 degrees and a warm weekend, business owners said they have been busy and hope the trend continues throughout the summer.

Though many license plates in town were from out of state, locals also joined the crowds on Old Orchard Street. Ed and Barbara Gagne of Saco stood near their motorcycle, watching as their Golden Retriever, Vinnie, lounged in the sidecar. The trio often travels to Old Orchard Beach to grab a slice of pizza and enjoy the weather, Barbara Gagne said.

Erin Campbell stood behind the counter of Beachology Monday afternoon and watched  as customers browsed displays of books, candles and Maine products. The boutique opened for its second season last weekend and saw a steady stream of visitors throughout Memorial Day weekend, she said.

Campbell said the store has already doubled sales from last May. She credits those sales to the nice weather and  “unique” and higher-end products the store features. She said the store’s products are largely made in Maine and features books penned by local authors.

At Dolce Crème on the corner of East Grand Avenue, manager Tammy Creamer pointed to a half-empty display case of homemade gelato and said the weekend was a success. The café, which also offers coffee and pastries, opened for weekends in May and will kick into full summer mode around the time schools let out.

Creamer, who makes the gelato using ingredients from Italy, said the café is a fun place to work – especially when it comes to meeting both locals and visitors. The store’s large windows overlook the square and offer a clear view up Old Orchard Street.

“The people you meet here are incredible. They come from all over the world. People just love to come in and chat,” Creamer said. “You can just sit and people watch. People love to come in and recharge.”

Bud Harmon, director of the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, said rainy weekends last summer affected business, but hopes the sun will linger over the beach this season. The weather plays an important role in how successful the summer season is, he said.

“I haven’t seen it like this in years and it’s strictly due to the weather. It’s really made an early start to the summer,” he said. “Most people are positive. I’m hearing camping reservations are up and motel reservations are looking good.” Bookings look especially strong for August, when Canadians typically come to town, he said.

Harmon is a member of the Maine Tourism Commission and said each region of the state reports businesses are “cautiously optimistic” about the season.

A number of activities scheduled for this summer in Old Orchard Beach could also draw more visitors to town, Harmon said. The seventh annual “Back to the Beach Corvette Weekend” is scheduled for June 10 to 13 and is expected to include hundreds of cars, grand prix racing, car cruises and a doo-wop dance.

The Spirit in America hot air balloon festival will take place on the beach from June 24 to 27. The festival includes fireworks, tethered balloon rides off the beach, lobster bake and a USO-style beach blanket dance under the stars.

There will be a concert at 6 p.m. every Thursday beginning July 1 in Memorial Park. Visitors can now play petanque, a Canadian version of bocce, in Memorial Park. Other scheduled summer events include weekly fireworks and the 27^th annual Beach Olympics from Aug. 20 to 22.

Harmon said events such as the balloon festival “do a lot for us and I’m looking forward to it.” He said he also likes seeing so many people in Old Orchard Beach so early in the season.

“Seeing this activity so early has put most of us in a real good and optimistic mood,” he said.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.