AAA predicts slight decrease in July Fourth travel

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - More Marylanders plan to stay home this Fourth of July, according to AAA data released this week, and holiday event organizers around the area hope it will bring a boost to weekend attendance.

“Normally when it’s going to be a three-day weekend, when the Fourth is Friday or Monday, we expect it to be greatly reduced because people will go away,” said Maureen Sweeney Smith, communications coordinator for the Catonsville Celebrations. “I’ve talked to two people who were going away this year; other years I might have talked to 25 who were.”

Nearly 762,600 Marylanders will travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend, a 1.3 percent decrease from last year. Approximately 642,300 will travel by car, down 1.3 percent from last year, and 88,000 will fly, a 2 percent decrease from 2007, according to AAA projections.

“BWI has had a positive year so far,” said Jonathan Dean, spokesman for the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. “However, with rising fuel costs and corresponding rises in ticket prices ... the airport will likely see demand drop off as the year goes forward.”

This weekend, 58 percent of Marylanders are expected to travel within 250 miles one way from home, according to AAA, while 28 percent will trek 500 miles or more.

“It’s no surprise to see this slight decrease in travel this Fourth of July holiday as Marylanders are contending with higher gas and food prices, higher travel prices ... as well as general concerns about the economy,” said Ragina Averella, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Gas prices in the Baltimore area held at $4.01 per gallon Wednesday, up from $3.94 per gallon a month ago and $2.91 a year ago. Nationally, regular gas set a record Wednesday, reaching $4.092 per gallon.

Smith said about 10,000 people usually turn out for the Catonsville parade and 60,000 for its fireworks, but expects a 15 to 20 percent increase in attendance this year.

acahall@baltimoreexaminer.com

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