Second of the “big 3” is here – be aware and get outside

Wow, here we are with the second of the “big 3” tourism holidays upon us already and it doesn’t really seem like summer should have gotten underway yet.

Traditionally, while the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are big ones here in terms of activities, traffic and visitation numbers, the granddaddy holiday of the “big 3” is the one we are approaching this weekend – and the very fact that Independence Day actually falls on a weekend day – Saturday, in this case – usually means that the traffic is even heavier, the weekend visitors usually come earlier and stay later – some offices will be closed Friday, some Monday and some both – and the result of all of that is more crowding on our streets and highways, and of course on our two waterways as well.

Bottom line – give yourself a little extra time, a lot of extra room and use some common sense while you intermingle with our visitors and celebrate this July 4 holiday.

Also to remember – the summer season is about half over as far as the traditional tourism season goes – so get outside and enjoy some outside activity before it’s too late. We’ll be moving in and grabbing the jackets before we know it.

Let’s be careful out there and make it a safe, fun July 4 holiday for everyone.