GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The soaring loonie has towns south of the border bracing for a busy weekend.
As the Canadian dollar approaches parity with the U.S. greenback, motels, restaurants and retail stores in the states are expecting a flood of Canuck shoppers to take advantage of the exchange rate.
The city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, located less than three hours south of Winnipeg says the loonie's strength is welcomed.
The situation is similar to two years ago when the Canadian dollar hit par, creating a difference between American and Canadian prices on books, clothes, electronics and cars.
Grand Forks City council president Hal Gershman says the loonie's strength also should mean good ridership for Allegiant Air's Grand Forks flights to Phoenix and Las Vegas.
