Southampton - With beautiful weather expected for the coming week, East Hampton and Southampton Town officials remind residents and visitors that the South Fork is thriving and ready for business.

"In the wake of Irene, our Town employees have worked feverishly to get our great recreational areas back to the shape they were prior to the storm," stated East Hampton Town Supervisor Bill Wilkinson. "I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the Hamptons and all our splendor this great Labor Day weekend."

Councilman Chris Nuzzi, who serves as liaison for Southampton Town's Parks and Recreation Department, as well as its Business Advisory Council, also announced that Southampton's beaches are open, including those along Dune Road. "Obviously, we'll need to continue dealing with the effects of Irene, but clean-ups and repairs are well underway," he said.

Barrier beach businesses, such as Oakland's in Hampton Bays and Dockers in East Quogue are also ready to receive customers, re-opening after town officials gave the all clear to lift road restrictions in the area this past Monday.

"Thanks to the great service of the Highway and Police Departments, the road is cleaned up and both restaurants and marinas are open," said Doug Oakland, owner of Oakland's and Sundays on the Bay. "We're open for lunch and dinner, and our fuel pumps are up and ready," he said.

The western portion of Dune Road also fared well, sustaining only minimal damage. "Despite the significant impact of Hurricane Irene, as of yesterday, all recreational beaches and public access have been fully restored and are as beautiful as ever," said Westhampton Dunes Village Mayor Gary Vegliante. "We've said goodbye to Hurricane Irene and now we say hello to Labor Day weekend," added Westhampton Beach Village Mayor Conrad Teller. "We urge residents and visitors to come enjoy our beaches and shop locally this coming weekend. They will not be disappointed."

In the immediate aftermath of the tropical storm, which hit early Sunday morning, 55 percent of Southampton Town residents lost electricity, along with the majority of its commercial districts. The Village of Sag Harbor, all of which went dark for more than 24 hours, was largely restored by Tuesday. "Main Street and the beaches are open. We have a great weather week ahead and plenty of activities going on," said Village Mayor Brian Gilbride. Further south, in Sagaponack Village, Deputy Mayor Lee Foster concurred about conditions in her hometown. "It's absolutely beautiful outside," she said. "Farmstands and beaches are running and any power that remains out is expected to be restored within the next day or two."

According to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), approximately 9,000 ratepayers, primarily in residences, remain affected on the East End. However, Wilkinson noted that even business districts still waiting for juice are prepared for the holiday and the unofficial "end of summer," pointing out that many eateries are prepared to continue operating on generators if necessary.

Despite a rain delay, the Hampton Classic horseshow opened today and will continue to run through September 4. Moreover, the Shinnecock Indian Nation's 65th Annual Powwow will take place September 2 through September 5 as scheduled. "We spent a lot of time planning a wonderful family affair and are looking forward to celebrating life, including being spared a great deal of anguish from Hurricane Irene," said Beverly Jensen, Communications Director for the tribe. The powwow features music and dance performances, native arts and crafts, and foods, and demonstrations.

In Southampton Village, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to a sandcastle contest at Cooper's Beach this Sunday. According to Mayor Mark Epley, Southampton Village has approximately 95 percent of its power restored, including the whole downtown area.

The upbeat feeling was also shared by Southampton Chamber of Commerce President Micah Schlendorf who reported "devastation and difficulty getting around" on his daily commute to East Hampton Village. However, within 36 hours, he noted a quick change, "Businesses are really coming around in order to be there for their customers. One of the nicest things about the East End is how resilient it can be," he said.

LIPA expects to complete its power restoration efforts by week's end. Updates can be viewed at www.lipower.org with other town-related information at www.town.east-hampton.ny.us and www.southamptontownny.gov.

In the meantime, clean up efforts continue with both towns offering expanded services to residents. In East Hampton, debris will be accepted free of charge, through Sunday, at the East Hampton Recycling Center on Springs-Fireplace Road. Because of space restrictions, Montauk debris should be deposited at the reserved space at Eddie Ecker Park on Navy Road.

Similarly the Southampton Town's Highway Department is offering a "storm related curbside pickup" for brush and other debris, while the Waste Management Division allows residents to dispose of food waste and other items damaged by the storm free of charge through Wednesday, August 31. Brush may also be brought to the transfer stations for free through September 4, and residents are also welcome to come in to take fire wood.

"It was vitally important for our local businesses to be up and operating as soon as possible," concluded Southampton Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, who is the Town's liaison for emergency preparedness. "Not only so that we can get 'back to normal' in the aftermath of the storm, but also because the week before Labor Day is so important for the East End economy."