Residents turned out in the thousands to celebrate Independence Day at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton Friday.

Despite cloudy weather and high gas prices, people came out in record numbers. Parking was nearly impossible, yet thousands took part in all that Gypsy Hill had to offer.

Organizers say they've easily topped last year's numbers. Whether they came out to walk, enjoy the fireworks or play, residents were out in full force.

Amanda Torian says of her son, "As you can see, he loves to play games, and he sees a lot of his friends here that he normally doesn't see."

Torian and her son decided to stay in Staunton this Fourth of July, and they had no trouble navigating the park, just like Donna Tinsley and her two children.

Tinsley says, "I'm proud that we have the freedom to be able to come out and do this every year and I want my children to learn that this is a privilege, and I want them to hold it dear to their heart as I did as I was growing up."

However, because of high gas prices, the Tinsley trio decided to walk from their home to the park. Tinsley says many others have chosen to stay local this weekend.

She explains, "The reason that we walked here today is because gas prices are so outrageous these days, so we really couldn't afford to go anywhere else for the holiday weekend."

The same goes for Torian and her son, but she doesn't let fuel costs slow her down.

Torian says, "When it comes to my children, my children come first. So where ever they like to go, I make sure they get there."

After the fireworks display, local police were ready to help drivers get out safely.