NEW RICHMOND — What a difference a few days can make. In New Richmond on Front Street, these streets were completely flooded on Wednesday. Two days later, these businesses are preparing to open.

It’s been non-stop clean up efforts after the Ohio River receded back within its banks, which means businesses in New Richmond are working hard to open their doors.

A fire truck sprays water on the sidewalks along the Ohio River. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“We’ve gone through a disaster. What do we need other than clean up and volunteers? We need people to come to New Richmond," Kathryn Bailey, the Village of New Richmond administrator, said. "So come and support our restaurants, they’ve taken a big hit, they’ve been out of business. Plus our other shops.”

For the Front Street Cafe, while they didn’t suffer any water damage, water surrounded the area. Now, their staff is gearing up for it’s first day back since Sunday.

The Front Street Cafe reopened on Friday for lunch. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“I’m just very excited for the whole town, businesses re-opening," Kerry Stamper, the co-owner of the cafe, said. "It’s just such a great thing to see the community come together.”

And down the street at the Green Kayak, they weren’t so lucky. We saw the water levels inside on Monday. Now, they just got the green light from the health department to open on Friday night.

A fan helps dry up the last of the flood water at the Green Kayak. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“It brought a tear to our eye," Becca Light, the co-owner of the Green Kayak, said. "We don’t worry about it. We always have good health inspections here, but when you go through something like this, the river holds a lot of bacteria and stuff and so it makes you nervous. But he came in and gave us the all-clear.”

Light said it’s been an emotional roller coaster this week, but she’s looking forward to seeing all her regulars back.

“We know we’re going to end up in tears. I could cry now," she said. "We know we’re going to end up in tears when everyone comes in here because we know the love and support that’s going to come is amazing.”

A sign outside of the Green Kayak pokes fun at the need for help in the clean-up process. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

While it’s been a challenging week for these businesses, they’re hopeful for support as they get back on their feet.

“This is when it matters," Light said. "These small businesses have been struggling for a year, doesn’t matter what type of small business, and now is the time to really support local.”

“Come on down to New Richmond and enjoy your time here," Stamper said. "We’d love to have you.”