Local Fourth of July events expect bigger crowds

By: Kelly Gillespie | SCNow
Published: July 04, 2008

The prices at the pump have people cutting back in ways they never imagined.

"I know at least I do. I think how many things I can do in one trip as opposed to maybe three or four, “Randy Down, School Headmaster at Emmanuel Baptist Church, said.

Those trips may also include ones with your family.

This Fourth of July AAA is forecasting 500,000 less travelers, but that also means community events, like the one at Emmanuel Baptist Church, could be at all time high.

"Some of the families that I know that I’ve talked with usually take extended vacations and they've cut their vacations back a little bit. A matter of fact I talked to someone this morning and she says she's coming here tonight because it's close to home," Down said.

Last year the Emmanuel Baptist Church had close to 8,000 people turnout for their fireworks, and this year organizers expect even more.

"I think families today are looking for something that's fun and easy to do. It's low impact and low maintenance on the family budget," Down said.

Admission is free, parking is one dollar and Randy Down said there's something for everyone---from vendors, entertainers, fireworks and even a children's area.

"We're trying to provide an alternative where kids can come and feel safe; parents can come and know it's going to be a safe environment. You're not going to have any violence problems here," Down said.

In return, the church said the biggest pay off for them is seeing families together enjoying themselves.

The event is a non-alcoholic, paid for through area sponsors and also assisted by the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce.

The dollar parking fee is used to pay the office duty law enforcement officers that will be patrolling the church grounds and directing traffic.

Fireworks will begin around 9:15 Friday night.