The ‘CAT’ ferry is getting ready to set sail for the 2024 season.

The first trips between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine are scheduled for Friday.

Kilby Nickerson is the manager of ‘Every Bloomin’ Thing,’ a gift, clothing and flower shop on Main Street.

She says it’s always refreshing to see the tourists.

“They’re happy to be here, and they love our town. We’ve really noticed that over the last couple of years, they love the Town of Yarmouth. They love to come in and spend and talk to us,” said Nickerson.

Nickerson notes that local sales are strong, but the ferry running certainly helps many businesses, especially the food industry.

She says tourism season in general is positive, as many have become online customers.

“They love the online store. It’s been great, we’ve been getting a lot of people from Alberta and Ontario too.”

The ‘CAT’ carried 38,000 passengers last year.