WTHR |Economy keeping more Hoosiers home for holiday weekend

Economy keeping more Hoosiers home for holiday weekend

Indianapolis - This year, more Hoosiers are taking part in events close to home.

Three days off from the grind of commerce, and the stream of commerce is staying at home.

According to AAA, travel for this long weekend is down. In Carmel, families are crowding the city center for Carmelfest.

"We brought the family here. We are kind of the anchor and all of our kids, they all came home with the grandkids. It's kind of neat," said Harvey Kincaid, Carmel.

In Beech Grove, kids are throwing footballs, parents are flipping frisbees and crowding the downtown park.

"It gives you a better appreciation for it because before when you were out spending money it was going out of town to spend your dollars. When you stay home and spend your dollars you get more quality time with your family and I think people appreciate that more," said Jenny Lamb, Beech Grove.

Long weekends at the beginning of summer are rare - almost too rare to pass up a chance to escape and hit the road.

"Basically the economy - it's better to stay around town, stay within the community, stay in your hometown, see friends, family. It's better to save money," said Rob Bennitz, Carmel.

Saving money tends to be the theme of this long weekend. "I sure fuel prices have something to do it. There are a lot things to do in Indianapolis and around Indianapolis so if you don't have to leave, why should you?" said Bennitz.

It's a return to simple things like a day in the park.

"Would I go anywhere? The fireworks are in my backyard," said one Beech Grove resident.

Fourth of July events