Jul 3, 2009 10:55 pm US/Eastern
Economy Affects Some People's July 4th Plans
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The economy has forced a change of plans for some Marylanders as they try to enjoy the July 4th holiday.
CBS
Many Marylanders are enjoying a long holiday weekend as we celebrate America this July 4th, but amid the recession, Americans are making changes this year.
Weijia Jiang reports for some the economy is affecting this Independence Day.
The recession is hitting everyone from show organizers to those who look forward to attending the celebrations all year long.
The Baltimore Symphony's kick off to its summer season also kicks off a big weekend of celebrating America's birthday.
"They're loaded, covered to protect them from sparks," says a pyrotechnician working to set up fireworks.
Crews are getting ready for the much-anticipated fireworks show at the Inner Harbor.
"We want a big show!" says one Baltimorean excited about the fireworks.
"All these shells have a certain placement in the program to the music," says Raymond Loffredo, chief pyrotechnician as he shows off fireworks needed for the big show.
This year the music will be different than in years past-a change made to save the city $5,000.
"This year we'll have a live performance during the fireworks show instead of it being choreographed to music," says Dionne McConkey, a spokesperson for The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.
Howard County sliced its fireworks by $1,000 worth of shells and Annapolis almost had to cancel its show altogether.
"It's all taxpayers money, the more money you spend, it would just upset people," said Donna Ulrich, a Baltimore visitor.
Would be travelers are also cutting back.
"Summer plans have definitely changed this year," said one person we talked too.
Another person agreed say there is,"Less money, less spending."
AAA expects 1.9% fewer Americans to travel this July 4th compared to last year thanks to what spokeswoman Christine Delise calls, "A sagging personal income, rising unemployment, concern about the economy, and also rising gas prices."
Even though the roads are slower, airports like BWI are packed. In fact AAA says compared to this time last year 4.9 % more Americans are flying this holiday weekend.
"The flights were cheaper as opposed to the gas being up," said one traveler.
"We found a deal to Tampa, so going there first then driving an hour saves us a lot of money," explained one person preparing for a flight.
If revelers are Baltimore-bound the show is sure to please, cutback or not.
"At least it's not cancelled and it's still free!" adds McConkey.
About 100,000 are expected to attend the show at the Inner Harbor and State Police are adding extra patrols to all the roads to pull the drugged, the drunk, and the distracted drivers off.
Live music at the Harbor starts at 4:30 p.m. and when it's time for the big show, you can see the fireworks from there, Fell's Point, or Canton.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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