Staff Writer

July 4th is fast approaching, and Thomaston's businesses are ready.

This year is a little different from most years past. The Fourth falls in the middle of the week, on Tuesday. This means that there will be two great weekend opportunities to celebrate.

Businesses around town saw this opportunity and have prepared themselves well.

From large chains to locally-owned, small businesses, the split weekend will surely prove itself a great opportunity for shoppers.

Wal-Mart Supercenter is sure to be buzzing around the holiday. With specials on all types of cookout supplies, there is sure to be a heavy amount of business. Associate Manager Lynn Teal says that they began planning weeks in advance.

“There's sure to be tons of business, “ said Teal, “so we've been trying to get all our freight in and set up features.”

Teal said that there will be many specials going on, including grills, lawn chairs and coolers, as well as grocery items such as chips and drinks.

“It's going to be a great weekend,” she said, “there'll be lots of sales to take advantage of.”

Ingles is also gearing up for the big rush.

Because of the two weekends surrounding the 4th, Ingles expects a pretty big turnout the whole week.

Big business won't get all the attention over the holiday. Northside Suprette is one of the best places in town for specials on all the meat you need for a cookout. And they expect to see quite a crowd.

“It's [The 4th] one of the busiest ‘grilling' weekends of the year,” said Co-owner Greg Eubanks, “and we expect business to be very steady.”

Northside Suprette will have speacials on many meats including baby-back ribs, beef cuts and ground beef.

“We always stock up heavily for the 4th,” says Eubanks, “so there are a lot of really good meats to choose from.”

There's no doubt that local business is stocked and ready for the holiday. This Fourth of July “double weekend” should prove to be full of well-prepared celebration.