DECATUR, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The sluggish economy is not putting a damper on Decatur's Fourth of July celebration.
They're getting ready to roll out their parade and launch their fireworks rain or shine as long as there's no lightning.
Peggy Merriss said Decatur has never had to worry about the cost of its Independence Day festivities. The city keeps the price tag affordable by keeping the celebration modest.
"It's not very technical or very flashy," Merriss said. "It's not terribly expensive, about $10,000."
That is about the same they've spent for the last 15 years. The local business association picks up the tab for about half of that.
Decatur officially kicks of its salute to the nation's birthday with a parade and a concert in the city's square and caps it off with a fireworks display Wednesday evening.
That will attract thousands of people to downtown Decatur. And more people mean more customers crowding into local businesses.
Wesley McConnell, who owns the Thumbs Up Diner in Decatur, said Independence Day is good for business.
"Probably three to four times as much as I would see on a normal Wednesday," McConnell said. "People are staying in town more so they're going to eat out."
City officials are praying weather cooperates and thunder and lightning don't rumble in like they did last year.
People who crowded the square in downtown Decatur had to run for cover as the rain poured down and forced the city to call off the show.
"As long as we make the call before they actually light off the boxes, we're good," Merriss said.
Decatur has set a rain date for the fourth Saturday in September in case lightning forces a postponement.
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