With most shops closed in Victoria for the Labour Day holiday, families used living on the Border to their advantage.

Albury Central assistant co-ordinator Julie Carden said it was their aim to entice as many people as possible to Albury.

And they did just that by lining Dean Street with clowns, stilt walkers and buskers.

“We want to support the businesses because it’s getting harder for them because of online shopping,” she said.

“The public holiday is an opportunity for us to announce we are open for business and if they come here they can enjoy the atmosphere.”

Ms Carden said traffic bank ups and busy crossings told the story of how Victorians were spending their day off.

The Stojanovic family from Wodonga said having Albury meant they could go out and spend the day together.

“It’s like being in the city here there are so many people,” father Michael Stojanovic said.

“You can’t see anybody around in Wodonga, it’s a bit of a ghost town.

“They should do more things like this to attract people from Victoria.”

But it was hard work for some with Albury businesses dealing with one of their busiest days this year.

Joy’s Delights owner Tara Zuber opened for her first Victorian Labour Day holiday.

“It’s crazy. My Mondays are usually dead but it has just been constant,” she said.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be like this, it’s busier than a Saturday.”

Ms Zuber said it was important for Albury Central to take these opportunities to expose small businesses.

Wodonga couple Mat and Michelle Cottee were celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary with their two children.

“Living on the Border you can have a public holiday but still enjoy the things of a normal day,” Mr Cottee said.