At a time when many are cutting back, Putnam County is trying to give residents more bang for their buck.

Putnam Commissioner, Joe Haynes, says, "Putnam county is a growing county. Everybody talks about the economy and you can look at the glass as half full or half empty. We see glass as half full."

This year's July Fourth festivities are bigger than ever in Hurricane because the county park and the town have combined for one big bash.

"In years past Hurricane's had something going on and Valley Park's had something going on, so we decided to just combine efforts." says Haynes.

Thanks to sponsorships and donations, Hurricane isn't the only place you'll be able to find activites for kids, live music, and a massive fireworks display.

Haynes says, "Besides Fourth of July here in Hurricane, we've got stuff going on in Buffalo."

Buffalo residents have been planning their Fourth of July since February.

Buffalo project manager, Barbara Reed, says, "People that move away, they come back for this homecoming."

Reed says it's no easy task planning everything but they keep things affordable to keep people coming back.

"We keep our prices low so families can come that can't go out of state. For five bucks kids can play all day." says Reed.

And she says they're already saving for next year.

"Whatever we make tomorrow in concessions we use for next year." says Reed.

And Commissioner Haynes says it's smart planning like that, that makes Putnam County one of the best places to celebrate the nation's birthday.

"We're not passive. We don't sit and wait for things to happen here. We get out and try to make things happen." says Haynes.

And if you want to get in on a piece of the action out in Putnam County you can go to the Buffalo parade at 1 pm, or their fireworks display at 10pm. Hurricane's parade will start a t 4:30 and their fireworks will be at 10pm as well. The activities they have planned will go on throughout the day.