Many people are adding green and brown to the red, white and blue of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Local park officials have seen endless business this summer as people rent campgrounds.
“It’s been very steady and very heavy,” said Eric Leonard, Chickasaw National Recreation Area public information officer.
While the economic recession has caused cutbacks in other areas, camping has increased.
According to Leonard, the interest in camping is related to the economy.
“It’s a reflection of the economy. A couple days camping is cheaper than other things,” Leonard said.
Park conditions are also favorable.
“There’s plenty of water in the lake and the creek,” Leonard said.
Lake Murray State Park and Lodge has also seen a full house this summer.
“We’re usually full from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” Patsy Shankles said.
Lake Murray officials take reservations for its facilities and maintains a wait list from which they can call people in the case of a cancelation.
“We take reservations from year to year,” Shankles said.
The Fourth of July holiday only adds to the increase in camping interest.
“We are anticipating a busy weekend,” Leonard said.
The parks will also host special holiday events.
Lake Murray will host activities on Saturday on the back lawn of the Lake Murray Lodge. A fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. at R.C. Flying Field.
However, the CNRA program will be a little different this year. CNRA will have a local resident’s historical American flag collection on display, with presentations on the flags in American history at 3 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday at the Travertine Nature Center.
“The holiday is primarily recreation-based, so it’s nice to touch base on why we celebrate,” Leonard said.
Jennifer Lindsey, 221-6526
