SMITH LAKE –– Daniel Smith, of Cullman, was busy cooking hamburgers for his family while enjoying camping at Smith Lake Park Friday afternoon.

“We come out here every year,” Smith said.

Smith, along with his wife and other family members, camp in the same spot every year.

“We try to camp here every year because they like to play in the tunnel,” Karen Smith said while her grandchildren played in the drainage pipes nearby.

“My favorite thing is swimming,” granddaughter Jacy James said.

The Smiths bring their seven grandchildren while Karen’s sister brings her 10 children.

“This is our vacation every year,” Karen said. “We usually spend a week here.”

At the park office, Denise Caudle was busy with reservations.

“The cabins have been booked since January,” Caudle said.

The Staggs family gathered at the park for the first time.

“It’s just a nice thing to do since we are off,” Valerie Staggs said. “It’s the perfect day. It feels real nice.”

Lifeguard Stephen Krassick said the day seemed slower than past Fourth-of-July weekends.

“It’s been like a regular weekday,” Krassick said. “The camping is completely full and people are on the waiting list.”

Pool manager Melinda Camper said the park employees were ready for the campers.

“It’s going to pick up,” Camper said. “We are heavily staffed on lifeguards through the entire weekend.”

Donna Smelcer of Woodstock, Ala., said her family always camps at the park for Independence Day weekend.

“It’s always fun to come up on the Fourth and watch the fireworks and have fun,” said 12-year-old Nolan Smelcer.

Travis and Charlotte Key said the crowds seemed to be down this year.

“We come every year for the fireworks display,” Travis said. “It does seem lighter this year.”

“This is a good place to be on the Fourth,” Charlotte said. “There are a lot of friendly people from all over.”

Pete and Leann Kirby camp at the park every Fourth.

“It seems a little slower than in the past,” Leann said. “We come out here every year to have a company picnic. We cook plenty of racks of ribs.”

Leann said she enjoys the peaceful atmosphere.

“It’s like a mini vacation,” Leann said. “People that I have talked to seem to be camping because they aren’t taking vacations further away, like the beach.”

The Cullman County Rescue Squad was at the park to help with any injuries.

“We have had just one accident,” squad member Miranda Weaver said. “A little girl stepped on a bed of coals and burnt her foot.”

Weaver said they were quiet on Friday, but were ready for the possibility of any accidents.

“Tomorrow (Saturday) will be our busy day,” Weaver said.

Karoke Pros will kick off today’s entertainment at 2 p.m. Triple Play will take the stage at 7 p.m. followed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m.

‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.