Though many might be looking at a three-day weekend around July Fourth, putting your boat in at Higgins Ferry Park for a day of fishing might not be the best way to spend your time.

Independence Day weekend is always one of the park’s busiest times of the year, and park ranger Frank Atkinson said his campsites have been booked for a while now.

“I get calls from everywhere,” Atkinson said. “I’ve already turned down 33 people.”

The park this weekend will be home to residents of 20 RV sites and more than 12 tent sites. Nine more RV sites are under construction, and Atkinson said he hopes to have them ready by Labor Day. The water lines have been run and the concrete slabs have been poured, so all that remains is getting electricity to the sites.

Atkinson said a larger than usual number of the park occupants this week are locals.

“I guess the gas prices are keeping them in town, and I guess the people up in Birmingham have found something to do up there because of [gas prices],” Atkinson said.

Many local residents that aren’t staying at the park will still use its boat launch to put in for the July Fourth festivities. Atkinson estimates that 150 boats will launch from the park.

A popular attraction for the boaters will be the fireworks show, which will be put on by Lake Mitchell Home Owners and Boat Owners Association at Cargyle Creek. Before that, there will be a parade of pontoon boats and speedboats.

“There’s something going on all the time,” Atkinson said.