Memorial Day weekend tips

APPLETON - It's the thrill of the grill and the fun of a long weekend getaway. It's all part of the unofficial kickoff to summer known as Memorial Day weekend.

"It's just a nice day off of work I guess, I look forward to that, said Cassie Dodd of Oshkosh.

Many people will be firing up their grills this weekend. If this is the first time the grill is being used, it's a good idea to make sure it's ready to go.

"Make sure that it's clean prior to using it and make sure that it's hot enough to cook those raw products to make sure they are cooked thoroughly," said Outagamie County Public Health Department sanitarian Natalie Vandeveld.

It's also a good idea to make sure the chef is experienced.

"It can be dangerous if you aren't careful, you should always have somebody who knows a little bit about what they are doing," said Ken Fischer of Neenah.

It's never too early to stock up for the big party either. Burgers, brats, watermelon and more.

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"We've got plenty and all four days are going to be busy, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and the stores I guess today we're ready for ya," said Festival Foods store manager Paul Anderson.

While it won't be cheap to get where you're going.

"I don't know how much worse they can get," said Dodd.

Gas prices are actually eight cents less per gallon than this time last year. AAA expects 34.8 million people to hit the road this weekend. That's 1.2% more than last year. But plan ahead for travel through construction zones and remember to buckle up. The state patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be patrolling as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Once you're there, it's time for the fun to begin.

"It's great to see the summer items and it's a busy selling season for us, people are celebrating and I guess it's a festive time of the year," said Anderson.

And two things you don't want to forget this weekend are to stay hydrated and have plenty of sunscreen on hand, so your weekend of fun in the sun doesn't get cut short early.