Independence day falls on Friday, but on Thursday night, some people in the Valley decided to celebrate a little early. Summer Jam 2008 kicked off at Massanutten Ski Resort Thursday.

The money is benefiting homeless pets through the Harrisonburg/Rockingham SPCA. The celebration drew in more than just people from around the Valley.

"I think it's really nice. It has really good music. The weather is beautiful, the food's good, and I think its just a really nice event," says Judy Burrell who came from Northern Indiana.

"Oh, it's beautiful. My daughter says she can't wait to come back again. Yeah, we have a wonderful time," says Betty Negron, who was visiting from Massachusetts.

Negron wasn't the only one who made quite a journey. Another woman took advantage of her timeshare at the resort to drive from New Jersey, but she didn't mind.

"It's not really hard to drive here. You just drive straight, 64, and down to 81 and here. It's so easy to drive," says Virginia Dimapilis, who was visiting the resort from West Orange, New Jersey.

Volunteers and organizers are glad to see people having fun, but they say the Summer Jam is a party with a purpose.

"They really count on people to come out here to support the SPCA and Massanutten has been really supportive in letting them do this out here," says Tom Bahleda, a volunteer with Partners Canine.

Bahleda says the fund raiser is going well since hundreds payed as much as $20 to get into the event, which is expected to bring in $5,000 to $10,000.