KIRKSVILLE MO. -- It's a big weekend for businesses in Kirksville, as they prepare for the crowds coming into town for Truman State University's Class of 2012 Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled to take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at Stokes Stadium. Alumna Beth Klein will give the Commencement Address.
Employees at motels and hotels such as the Kirksville Super 8 are working hard, trying to get the rooms ready for the masses, that are arriving Friday evening.
Dondi Bates, the general manager at Super 8, said the motel's 61 rooms have been booked for graduation weekend almost a year in advance.
"We're always sold out," said Dondi Bates. "It's a very busy weekend. We love to see the families come in. It's great for the whole town of Kirksville-not just the Super 8. It allows us more hours for employees to work."
Bates said it is also a very stressful time of year.
"Actually being full, it's extremely stressful. Especially now because as spring is getting closer to summer and the temperature increase, we here have a lot of issues with our HVAC units which are heating and air. It's just making sure everything is ready and working properly and that kind of thing. It can be extremely stressful. "
Rooms at the Super 8 cost $88.99 dollars per night for this year's graduation weekend; their normal rates are $64.99 per night. The Comfort Inn is sold out as well and their room rates start at $124.99 per night for a room with double beds and two guests. Employees at the Depot Inn and Suites said they do not raise their prices for graduation weekend and give Truman parents a 10% discount, leaving their room rate price for graduation weekend at $84.60 per night.
More than a 1,000 students are expected to graduate.
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