The Fourth of July- This year it brings parades, musical tributes to those lost, and ruined fourth of July plans to the residents of Eaton Rapids.

"We go away usually for a week but we've had to cut back because of gas prices," Jennifer Edwards says. She and her family usually go to Muskegon for a full week during this time of the year, but the soaring gas prices have kept her right here in Eaton Rapids. And she isn't alone, in fact several people at today's parade say they were in attendance because of their need to save money.

"Gas is over four dollars a gallon, so we're saving about 100 or 200 just in gas alone," Eaton Rapids resident, David Fernald says.

While high gas prices certainly bother everyone in Eaton Rapids, there are some people who say they don't mind staying in town to put their money into shops and stores that comprise Eaton Rapids' economy.

"We're trying to stay home and spend our time and spend our dollars in the state of Michigan. I think if everyone who lives here does that, i think we can really help out a lot," Fernald says.

The Eaton Rapids parade saw some of the biggest numbers in attendance and those in charge say a lot of that probably has to do with high gas prices.