WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Families stay close to home this July 4th holiday

Families stay close to home this July 4th holiday

By Julie Straw - bio | email

ROSS BARNETT RESVOIR (WLBT) - Forget elaborate vacation plans, a relaxing day at the Ross Barnett Reservoir was on the agenda for hundreds of metro area families.

"we was going to go out of town, but we changed our minds," said Yolander Sellers of Brandon.  "Really the economy and all we couldn't afford to really just go."

That seems to be the case for many folks.  AAA predicts a 1.9% drop in travel this holiday weekend compared to last year.  Instead of hitting the road families are enjoying simple pleasures like fireworks.

America Fireworks on Old Fannin Road in Flowood is raking in the profits.  "Our big sellers are well we've got our artillery shots which are the type you light in a tube and they fly in the air and they make a big bust," said Manager Travis Hall.

Despite the heat, grills are blazing.  "I love it.  I mean just seeing family and just standing by the grill, I love to cook any way so I just love it.  It's not a job to me.  It's pleasure," said Curtis Hinkle visiting family from Bentonia.

This could also be considered national grilling day. 150 million hotdogs are expected to be eaten on the 4th.  That's one for every two people.  Instead of sticking with old favorites, some cooks we found are trying something new.

"Trying out my new grill.  Trying to smoke some ribs.  First time I have done ribs before so just experimenting with that," said Kyle Conway of Ridgeland.

Others are still working on catching their dinner.  "We've been catching a lot of fish," said nine year old Kyle Lively with his father and fishing rod close by.  "I've caught a bunch."  Proving you don't have to stray far from home to enjoy the holiday weekend.