i 'think' this weekend is the birthday celebration of some sort, so it might be crowded, or you might need tickets for something?
that said, I was there about a month ago, stayed at their RV park. for the most part I was the only person in all the stores, except for one couple, by the end of town we were fast friends
Probably the economy, it wasn't like that 4 years ago when I was there about the same time of year. Enjoy yourself. Although it needs a big infusion of funds and cleaning, I enjoyed the museum very much.
as a scrappy only, I bought scraps at the merchantile. they bring you the box of color and you pick what you want, it is by the pound and no sale, but a fat quarter of something is yardage to me.
Just having a day out with your friend is bound to be a blast, enjoy your time! (I'm about 4000 miles from Hamilton normally)