Independence Day weekend is here

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New Yorkers are getting a head start on holiday weekend celebrations.

From fireworks to festivals, News 4 has you covered for Independence Day weekend .

The slips filled up quickly at Buffalo's Inner Harbor. Boaters, including Uly Hankerson, Junior, wanted to be in place for the Holiday Weekend.

What does the Fourth mean to Uly?

Hankerson said, "It means a lot 'cause I'm a veteran okay? And the freedom we enjoy, the opportunity to do something like this on a holiday, it's great."

Plenty of people got an early start to the Fourth, extending the fun to a three day weekend.

News 4 met the Casper family while they were checking out the rides at Riverside Park's Friendship Festival. Last year's fireworks were still on Caroline Casper's mind.

Dozens of communities are scheduled to host fireworks displays throughout the weekend. The Bisons' Annual Independence Eve Celebration is always an attraction.

Buffalo mom Kashann Casper said, "Oh it's patriotic. We sing "God Bless America." It's just fun, brings back every year you watched it with your family."

Holiday motorists also hit the roads early, but according to the Triple A, fuel prices and economic uncertainty is keeping many people close to home. Car travel is expected to be down this weekend. Some aren't surprised.

But sticking around isn't so bad when you live in western New York, where everywhere you go, there's something to do, even a simple picnic with family.