The holiday festivities are getting started early with Massanutten's Summer Jam Thursday.

Food vendors worked during the afternoon with hours to go before people arrive ready to have fun. Vendors also hope visitors have got some cash to spend.

Mary Fran Shifflett and her husband Rodney recently started a catering business.

"It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it particularly," says Mary Fran.

They rely on big events like this one for their livelihood.

"[It's] very significant because this is basically the only thing we do," says Mary Fran.

They opened their business two years ago, just before the economy turned sour.

Still, managers at Massanutten Resort say they're seeing a steady stream of guests at the resort this summer, though they also say guests are spending a little less once they get there.

The resort has added programs this summer hoping to attract people in the Valley who choose to vacation locally.

"Our reservations have held steady from last year. It's a little bit of the extra income that people would spend. You know, buy that extra t-shirt and have that extra drink, that people are being a little bit more careful," says Sarah Elson, business relations manager for Massanutten Resort.

Chris Pietrowski works for the company Big Fat Daddy's. They're based out of Baltimore and they go around the region to these large-scale events.

"It just depends on what area you go to. Some areas are really affected, but some areas seem like they're not affected at all by the recession," says Pietrowski.

These vendors hope for turn out to be at least as good as last year's Summer Jam.

Even if people may have less to spend, Mary Fran is optimistic they'll shell out the cash on nights like this.

She says, "Hey, people will eat. All of these events, it's amazing. People will eat, and they'll pay the price for the food. It just amazes me at some of the prices people will pay at some of these events."

The Summer Jam is also a fundraiser for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham SPCA. Last year, it generates thousands of dollars to help run the shelter.